The Atlanta Falcons got off to a hot first-quarter start in the Superdome, putting up 10 points in the first four minutes of the ball game, but saw that lead evaporate rather quickly.
On the game's opening possession, Matt Ryan led the Falcons offense on a surgical seven-play, 80 yard drive. Ryan would complete all five of his passes for 83 yards, including a one-yard pass to receiver-eligible offensive lineman Mike Johnson for a touchdown.
On the ensuing drive, Drew Brees' first pass of the game was intercepted by Asante Samuel and returned 13 yards which, after penalty, set the Falcons up with a first down on the Saints 27-yard line.
A failed run by Michael Turner on third down and short resulted in the Falcons settling for a field goal, a 37-yard kick by Matt Bryant that split the uprights. That score put Atlanta up 10-0.
The Saints, however, came roaring back.
New Orleans would score its first points of the day on a long 56-yard run by running back Chris Ivory for a touchdown. Then, after forcing a Falcons punt, Brees would march the Saints down the field for another touchdown, a 29-yard pass to tight end Jimmy Graham.
The Saints now lead 14-10 early in the second quarter of this ball game.
The Falcons are clearly missing star linebacker Sean Weatherspoon in this one, as evident by the poor tackling and surprising ground success of the Saints.