2016 Atlanta Falcons: 5 Reasons why the Falcons beat the New Orleans Saints

Sep 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) makes a throw against the New Orleans Saints in the second quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) makes a throw against the New Orleans Saints in the second quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) carries the ball to score a touchdown during the second quarter of a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) carries the ball to score a touchdown during the second quarter of a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Devonta Freeman

Devonta Freeman ran like a man possesse. It consistently looked like he was a step faster than the entire Saints defense. He cut and scampered his way to 153 yards on 14 carries. He also got in on the passing game, catching a team leading 5 catches for 55 yards and a touchdown. A game that will remind fans of his torrid five-game stretch from a year ago.

In my previous article, I said that Devonta would probably have the better game against the Saints. I had no idea he would completely incinerate them for 11 yards per touch. The Falcons have a special duo in him and Tevin Coleman. With Kyle Shanahan calling great plays for both, it’s hard to envision them slowing down anytime soon. After Devonta’s performance tonight, the Saints defenders will surely have nightmares of him running through their depleted defense.