The Atlanta Falcons ' pass rush struggles continued in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Saints at Caesars Superdome. Perhaps most disappointing for Atlanta, the performance came one week after its most productive performance this season: a three-sack, seven-hit afternoon against the Dallas Cowboys.

It should be no surprise the Atlanta Falcons won’t achieve perfection in their NFC South schedule. Sunday’s 20-17 loss at the New Orleans Saints provided reminders that the Falcons are far from a perfect team.

With the offense struggling for the entire second half, the New Orleans Saints defense stepped up to preserve a a 20-17 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday at the Caesars Superdome. First, safety Tyrann Mathieu picked off Atlanta quarterback Kirk Cousins as he was marching the Falcons into scoring position.

Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo held his hands to his helmet after, on his attempt for a tying field goal, the football banged off the right upright with 6 1/2 minutes remaining against an opponent that hadn't won a game since September.