Falcons dent Saints playoff chances

Atlanta snaps Brees TD streak

ATLANTA, Nov 30, (RTRS): The Atlanta Falcons avenged their only defeat of the season by downing fierce division rivals New Orleans 23-13 on Thursday, leaving the Saints’ playoff hopes hanging by a thread.

Having lost to the Saints in New Orleans three weeks ago, the Falcons turned the tables on home turf to improve to 11-1 on the season, all but wrapping up the NFC South. Saints quarterback Drew Brees completed 28 of 50 passes for 341 yards but was left to rue five interceptions, the most of his career for a single game, as his team dropped to 5-7 with just four games remaining.

It was the first time since week four 2009 Brees failed to throw for a touchdown, leaving his NFL record of consecutive games with a touchdown throw at 54.

Atlanta led 17-0 early in the second quarter but a Mark Ingram touchdown reduced the lead to 17-7 and it appeared New Orleans would finish the half with more points.

The Saints mismanaged the final drive of the first half, allowing the clock to expire despite being in the red zone, stalling a comeback run.

The Green Bay Packers (74), Seattle Seahawks (6-5), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (65), Minnesota Vikings (6-5), Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (88) makes a catch for a touchdown as New Orleans Saints middle linebacker Curtis Lofton (50) defends during the first half of an

NFL football game, on Nov 29, in Atlanta. (AP)

Running back Jeremy Wright #28 of the Louisville Cardinals is tackled by Lorenzo Waters #21 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the end zone for a touchdown during the third quarter in a game at High Point Solutions Stadium on Nov 29, in Piscataway, New...