Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) – Atlanta Falcons running backs Bijan and Brian Robinson tore apart the Saints 45-24 Monday to spoil the party on an emotional night in New Orleans. The Robinsons — no relation — scored five rushing touchdowns between them to silence a crowd that had arrived in boisterous mood for festivities to mark 20 years since the Superdome reopened after Hurricane Katrina.
The Saints managed two Alvin Kamara rushing touchdowns, a third caught by Devaughn Vele, and a field goal early in the second half that supporters booed, frustrated by coach Kellen Moore’s apparent lack of faith in his offense on 4th down. Victory in the NFC South clash sent the Falcons — revitalized since the return of quarterback Michael Penix Jr in their previous game — top of their division alongside Carolina, on 2-2, while New Orleans sank to 1-3.
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“I love the primetime game under the lights. Like, it just brings out a different energy, and I just love it for this team,” said Bijan Robinson. The game was a rematch of the original “Domecoming” in late September 2006, when the Superdome reopened after suffering extensive damage in Hurricane Katrina. Katrina slammed into the US Gulf Coast the previous year, causing catastrophic flooding. Over 1,000 died in the disaster. The Superdome served as a last resort shelter for 30,000 storm evacuees even after the hurricane tore a 50-foot hole in its giant white roof, and was rapidly repaired.
The original “Domecoming” game saw the Saints come out 23-3 winners, but the home fans’ jubilation was short-lived Monday once the actual football began. Bijan Robinson — fresh from two touchdowns on a stunning showing against Green Bay — rushed for another on the second play of the night. He weaved 59 yards with no Saints player even laying a hand on him.
New Orleans contributed to its own downfall, missing a field goal, turning over possession on a fumble, and then conceding a holding penalty when an Atlanta 4th & goal attempt appeared to have failed. Bijan Robinson made them pay, rushing for his second. This time, the Saints hit straight back. Quarterback Tyler Shough sent a 44-yard pass to Chris Olave, which was followed by Kamara rushing to the end zone.
But Brian Robinson Jr added touchdowns in the second and third quarters, rendering Kamara’s second meaningless. Jahan Dotson added a further touchdown from a 31-yard Penix pass, before Brian Robinson Jr’s third. Vele took a superb catch for a consolation touchdown with barely a minute left.
© 2024 AFP
