New Orleans Saints first quarter update: The Atlanta Falcons took control of the period with back-to-back scores to lead the Saints 10-0 Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan hit tight end Tony Gonzalez with a 7-yard touchdown pass to cap a six-play, 82-yard scoring drive. The Falcons stopped the Saints on fourth-and-inches on the next possession and took advantage of the short field to score on a 23-yard Matt Bryant field goal.
Key stats: Saints, Drew Brees, 5 of 7 for 41 yards; Pierre Thomas, 3 carries for 11 yards. Falcons, Matt Ryan, 6 of 8, 91 yards, 1 TD; Steven Jackson, 6 carries for 21 yards. Harry Douglas, 2 catches for 61 yards.
