The Atlanta Falcons opened their season with a 37-34 overtime victory over the New Orleans Saints, thanks to two 50+ yard field goals by Matt Bryant.
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The Atlanta Falcons opened their 2014 season at home against the New Orleans Saints, and they pulled off a mild upset with a 37-34 win over their division rivals.
The Saints held a 20-7 lead in the second quarter, but the Falcons trimmed their lead to 20-10 as time in the first half expired. The Falcons went on to score two touchdowns in the third quarter to take a 24-20 lead.
Saints running back Mark Ingram scored the go-ahead touchdown with 1:20 remaining in the fourth quarter, but Falcons kicker Matt Bryant made a 51-yard field goal as regulation expired to send the game to overtime. He then made a 52-yarder in overtime to win the game for the Falcons.
Quarterback Matt Ryan had a fantastic season debut for the Falcons as he threw for 448 yards and three touchdowns on 31-of-43 passing.
Wide receiver Julio Jones finished with seven receptions for 116 yards, and Devin Hester added five catches and 99 yards.
For the Saints, quarterback Drew Brees threw for 333 yards and a touchdown on 29-of-42 passing, but he also threw an interception. Ingram finished with 60 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries.
Marques Colston led the Saints receivers with 110 yards on five receptions, and tight end Jimmy Graham added 88 yards with eight catches. Rookie Brandin Cooks had a solid NFL debut with seven catches, 77 yards and a touchdown.
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