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Ryan throws late interception, Falcons fall to Saints 20-17

Atlanta Falcons Nate Stupar, left, and Adrian Clayborn walk of the field while New Orleans Saints kicker (5) Kai Forbath and his teammates celebrate his game winning field goal for a 20-17 victory over the Falcons as time expires in an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Atlanta. Atlanta Falcons Nate Stupar, left, and Adrian Clayborn walk of the field while New Orleans Saints kicker (5) Kai Forbath and his teammates celebrate his game winning field goal for a 20-17 victory over the Falcons as time expires in an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Atlanta.

By Associated Press January 3, 2016 4 min read

ATLANTA – There will be more talks from Dan Quinn about protecting the ball.

The closing minutes of his first season as the Atlanta Falcons coach provided painful visual evidence for those lessons.

Matt Ryan threw an interception with less than two minutes remaining to set up Kai Forbath’s 30-yard field goal on the final play that lifted the New Orleans Saints to a 20-17 win over the Falcons on Sunday.

“We’re not a good finishing team yet but we will be,” Quinn said.

Jamarca Sanford cut in front of Devonta Freeman at the Atlanta 25 with 1:47 for the crucial interception.