ATL Standard

NEW ORLEANS — Kirk Cousins has been known to say, "Walk into your trap. Take over your trap." This phrase gained attention during press conferences and in the tunnels of opponents' stadiums as his teammates rallied around him.

On Sunday, the Atlanta Falcons faced a New Orleans Saints team that had just dismissed their head coach earlier in the week and hadn't secured a victory since September. The matchup was seen as a potential trap game for the Falcons, who were coming off significant wins against the Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With health on their side and an undefeated record in the NFC South, expectations were high.

Despite these advantages, the Falcons fell short, losing 20-17 to a team described by its own quarterback as having "nothing to lose." Derek Carr told New Orleans media postgame, "They already fired our coach."

Following this defeat, some fans expressed familiar frustrations with what they called the "same 'ole Falcons," suggesting a pattern of inconsistency when success seemed within reach.

The history supports such sentiments; Atlanta has not improved from a 6-3 to a 7-3 record since 1980 and hasn't beaten the Saints twice in one season since 2016. This rivalry game presented an opportunity for the Falcons to assert dominance over a struggling opponent.

The loss mirrored previous struggles, notably against Seattle two weeks prior. In Week 10 against New Orleans, Atlanta's defense allowed Carr to connect with Marquez Valdes-Scantling for over 100 yards in the first half alone. The offense failed to respond adequately even when given chances by their defense late in the game.

Special teams also faltered as kicker Younghoe Koo went 1-for-4 on field goals, missing two attempts and having another blocked—leaving nine points unclaimed on the field that could have altered the outcome.

Penalties compounded issues alongside missed opportunities on third downs. Raheem Morris acknowledged after the game that Atlanta had numerous chances but couldn't seize them: "We're going to play in those type of games... But we gotta win that one."

Until they start winning such contests decisively, overcoming narratives of past failures will remain elusive for this team.