The New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons share one of the fiercest rivalries in the NFL. Spanning over five decades, this rivalry has delivered some of the most thrilling moments in football history. Whether it’s last-second victories, controversial calls, or legendary performances, the Saints-Falcons matchups never fail to bring high-energy drama to the gridiron. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and relive some of the best moments in this storied rivalry.
1. The First Meeting (1967)
The Saints and Falcons first met on November 26, 1967, in what would be the beginning of a heated rivalry between the two Southern teams. The Falcons emerged victorious with a 27-16 win, setting the stage for a competitive series that has grown more intense with each passing decade.
2. Saints’ First Win Over Atlanta (1971)
For four seasons, the Falcons held the upper hand over the Saints, winning the first six meetings. But on November 28, 1971, the Saints finally broke through, earning a 24-20 victory at Tulane Stadium. This milestone win was a defining moment for New Orleans fans, proving that the Saints could stand toe-to-toe with their division rivals.
3. The “Big Ben Right” Miracle (1978)
One of the most heartbreaking moments for Saints fans came on December 3, 1978, when the Falcons executed a last-second miracle play. Trailing 17-13 with just seconds left, Falcons quarterback Steve Bartkowski launched a Hail Mary pass that deflected off a defender and landed in the hands of receiver Alfred Jackson for the game-winning touchdown. This play, dubbed “Big Ben Right,” cemented itself as one of the most painful and unforgettable moments in the rivalry.
4. The Dome Patrol Dominance (1980s-1990s)
During the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Saints’ famed “Dome Patrol” defense made life miserable for the Falcons. With linebacker greats like Rickey Jackson, Sam Mills, Vaughan Johnson, and Pat Swilling leading the charge, New Orleans became a defensive powerhouse. The Saints shut down the Falcons multiple times during this era, cementing their reputation as one of the NFL’s most feared defenses.
5. The Rebirth of the Saints (2006)
Following Hurricane Katrina, the Saints returned to the Superdome for an emotional Monday Night Football matchup against the Falcons on September 25, 2006. This game, known for Steve Gleason’s iconic blocked punt that led to a touchdown, symbolized the rebirth of both the city and its beloved team. The Saints dominated Atlanta 23-3, in a night that remains one of the most cherished moments in franchise history.
6. Drew Brees Breaks the Passing Record (2018)
In a primetime showdown against the Falcons on December 23, 2018, Drew Brees surpassed Peyton Manning to become the NFL’s all-time passing yards leader. The game was an absolute thriller, with Brees delivering a vintage performance to lead the Saints to a 43-37 overtime victory. This milestone moment further solidified his legendary status in the rivalry and the league.
7. The 2019 Thanksgiving Night Beatdown
On Thanksgiving night in 2019, the Saints put on a show in Atlanta, defeating the Falcons 26-18 to clinch the NFC South title. The Saints’ defense sacked Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan nine times, highlighting their dominance. It was the perfect holiday treat for Saints fans, adding yet another memorable chapter to the rivalry.
8. Saints Crush Falcons’ Playoff Hopes (2022)
One of the most satisfying moments for Saints fans in recent years came in Week 15 of the 2022 season. With the Falcons fighting for a potential playoff berth, New Orleans handed them a crushing 21-18 defeat. The win didn’t just spoil Atlanta’s postseason hopes—it also reinforced the Saints’ determination to always play spoiler to their biggest rival.
A Rivalry That Keeps on Giving
The Saints-Falcons rivalry has provided fans with countless unforgettable moments. With each season, a new chapter is added to this historic feud, making every matchup must-watch football. Whether it’s thrilling comebacks, record-breaking performances, or hard-fought battles, this rivalry remains one of the NFL’s most entertaining.
As the two teams prepare for their next clash, one thing is certain: history is waiting to be written once again.
The post Saints vs. Falcons: A Look at This Rivalry’s Best Moments appeared first on Big Easy.
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