Atlanta Falcons players celebrate with Atlanta Falcons kicker Matt Bryant (3) who kicked the game winning field goal against New Orleans Saints during overtime of thier game, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014, in Atlanta. The Atlanta Falcons won in overtime 37-34.ATLANTA – Yet another thriller in the NFC South rivalry between the Falcons and Saints.
Matt Ryan threw for a franchise-record 448 yards and Matt Bryant kicked two long field goals, including a 52-yarder in overtime to give the Atlanta Falcons a 37-34 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.
Bryant booted a 51-yarder on the final play of regulation. Then he came through again with the winning kick in OT after a Saints turnover, handing the Falcons just their fourth victory over New Orleans in the last 17 meetings. This one was particularly sweet for Atlanta coming off a miserable 4-12 season, its first losing campaign since 2007.
The teams combined for 17 points in the final 2:50 of the fourth quarter. The Saints got the ball first in overtime, but Marques Colston fumbled a pass over the middle. The Falcons recovered at the Saints 38; three plays gained only 4 yards before Bryant ended it.
The game fit right in with a divisional series in which nine of the previous 12 meetings were decided by eight points or less.