Atlanta - The Atlanta Falcons raced to a 35-13 halftime lead over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday in the teams' final meeting at the Georgia Dome.
The Falcons' offense was virtually unstoppable all half as they scored touchdowns on all five of their possessions and compiled 323 yards of offense. Atlanta also was three for three on third-down attempts.
Atlanta scored on a 7-yard pass from Matt Ryan to Tevin Coleman, a 75-yard Devonta Freeman run, a 1-yard pass from Ryan to Julio Jones, a 10-yard pass from Ryan to Mohamed Sanu and a 7-yard touchdown pass to Justin Hardy.
The Saints offense was only able to answer with a 2-yard touchdown run by Tim Hightower and two Wil Lutz field goals (19 and 40 yards). The Saints settled for the 19-yard field goal after an apparent touchdown pass from Drew Brees to Coby Fleener was overturned by the officials.
Saints stat leaders
Drew Brees, 11 of 19 for 127 yards
Mark Ingram, 12 carries for 40 yards
Michael Thomas, three catches for 55 yards
Falcons stat leaders
Matt Ryan, 17 of 19 for 235 yards with four touchdowns
Devonta Freeman, six carries for 85 yards
Julio Jones, four catches for 47 yards and one TD
