The New Orleans Saints, playing for the first time under the direction of interim coach Darren Rizzi as they try to end a seven-game losing streak, grabbed a 17-7 halftime lead over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday at the Caesars Superdome.
The Saints (2-7), who let go head coach Dennis Allen on Monday, raced to a 10-0 lead on a 38-yard field goal and a 40-yard touchdown pass from Derek Carr to Marquez Valdes-Scantling, his first touchdown with the Saints. After the Falcons (6-3) scored on a 1-yard touchdown run by Bijan Robinson on fourth-and-goal in the second quarter, Carr and Valdes-Scantling connected on a 67-yard completion, giving the Saints first-and-goal from the 3-yard line. Following two running plays, Carr hit Valdes-Scantling for a 2-yard touchdown pass.
Atlanta's Younghoe Koo missed two field-goal attempts, one from 53 yards and a 35-yarder that was blocked by John Ridgeway.
The Saints had a 88-yard touchdown reception by Taysom Hill taken off the board on their opening possession because of a holding call against tight end Foster Moreau.
Running back Alvin Kamara became the team's all-time leading rusher with his second carry, a 7-yard run. He finished the half with 50 yards on 11 carries. Carr was 10 of 14 for 196 yards and two touchdowns. Valdes-Scantling had three receptions for 109 yards and two touchdowns.
Defensive end Payton Turner had a sack and forced fumble that Atlanta recovered.
Starting left tackle Taliese Fuaga left with a thigh injury in the first quarter and was replaced by Oli Udoh but returned early in the second quarter. Safety Jordan Howden left the game in the second quarter after getting hurt covering a kickoff.
The Saints will get the ball to start the second half.
Check out the game action photos from the New Orleans Saints game against the Atlanta Falcons for Week 10 of the 2024 NFL Season on Nov. 10, 2024 at Caesars Superdome.