New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats

If you are looking for new orleans saints vs atlanta falcons match player stats, the January 4, 2026 meeting between these NFC South rivals offers plenty to examine beyond the final score. Atlanta defeated New Orleans 19-17 in a game where both quarterbacks threw for 180 or more yards, both defenses recorded four sacks, and the kicking game became one of the clearest differences. The Saints produced 108 rushing yards compared with Atlanta’s 49, yet the Falcons found enough efficiency in key scoring situations to secure the victory.

This article breaks down the individual performances from the game using the supplied ESPN NFL box score data. Instead of simply repeating the scoreboard, the analysis looks at passing, rushing, receiving, defensive production, turnovers, special teams, and the moments that explain why a game with relatively modest offensive totals ended with such a narrow two-point margin.

New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats

The final score was Atlanta Falcons 19, New Orleans Saints 17 on January 4, 2026.

The quarter-by-quarter scoring tells an important part of the story:

Quarter	Saints	Falcons
1st	0	7
2nd	7	3
3rd	3	3
4th	7	6
Final	17	19

Atlanta established a seven-point advantage in the opening quarter. New Orleans answered with seven points in the second, while the teams traded three-point periods in the third. The fourth quarter produced the highest combined scoring of the game, but Atlanta finished with enough points to protect a 19-17 lead.

The final records listed in the supplied data were 6-11 for New Orleans and 8-9 for Atlanta. The Saints finished 3-6 on the road, while the Falcons finished 4-4 at home.

That context matters because this was not a game dominated by overwhelming offensive production. It was a competitive contest where a handful of statistical edges had an outsized effect.

Tyler Shough’s Passing Performance

Tyler Shough was the more productive passer statistically.

He completed 23 of 35 attempts for 259 yards, averaging 7.4 yards per attempt. He threw one touchdown and one interception and was sacked four times for 27 yards. His listed QBR was 60.8, while his passer rating was 85.3.

The numbers show a quarterback who generated more passing yardage than his counterpart but did not turn that advantage into enough points.

Shough’s passing line

• Completions: 23
• Attempts: 35
• Completion rate: 65.7%
• Passing yards: 259
• Yards per attempt: 7.4
• Touchdowns: 1
• Interceptions: 1
• Sacks: 4
• Sack yards lost: 27
• QBR: 60.8
• Passer rating: 85.3

A 23-for-35 performance represents a solid completion percentage. The 259 yards also indicate that New Orleans was able to move the ball through the air.

However, the four sacks are important.

Four sacks for 27 yards affected both field position and offensive rhythm. In a two-point game, those lost yards become especially significant because an offense may need only one or two additional successful plays to move from a difficult field-goal situation into a more favorable scoring range.

Shough also contributed as a runner. He carried the ball three times for 34 yards, averaging 11.3 yards per attempt, and scored one rushing touchdown.

That rushing production stands out. His 34 yards represented nearly one-third of New Orleans’ total team rushing yardage, which shows that the quarterback added a meaningful element outside the passing game.

Kirk Cousins’ Performance for Atlanta

Kirk Cousins completed 18 of 32 passes for 180 yards. He averaged 5.6 yards per attempt and finished with one touchdown and one interception.

His listed QBR was 26.1, with a passer rating of 69.8.

Cousins’ passing line

• Completions: 18
• Attempts: 32
• Completion rate: 56.3%
• Passing yards: 180
• Yards per attempt: 5.6
• Touchdowns: 1
• Interceptions: 1
• Sacks: 4
• Sack yards lost: 21
• QBR: 26.1
• Passer rating: 69.8

On the surface, Cousins’ numbers were less impressive than Shough’s. New Orleans gained 79 more passing yards, while Shough also posted the better completion percentage and yards-per-attempt figure.

Yet quarterback statistics do not always tell the entire story of a close game.

Atlanta’s offense did enough in the situations that mattered to finish with 19 points. Cousins also avoided turning his one interception into a larger turnover problem, while the Falcons’ defense and kicking game helped compensate for the limited passing output.

The four sacks allowed by Atlanta were another drag on the offense. Cousins was brought down four times for 21 yards, meaning Atlanta also struggled at times to keep its quarterback clean.

Passing Comparison

The quarterback comparison is one of the most interesting parts of the box score.

Statistic	Tyler Shough	Kirk Cousins
Completions	23	18
Attempts	35	32
Completion %	65.7%	56.3%
Passing yards	259	180
Yards/attempt	7.4	5.6
TD passes	1	1
Interceptions	1	1
Sacks	4	4
Sack yards	27	21
QBR	60.8	26.1
Passer rating	85.3	69.8

The most obvious statistical conclusion is that Shough had the stronger passing performance.

But Atlanta did not need Cousins to win the yardage battle. The Falcons needed enough offensive production to complement their defense and special teams, and that formula worked in a 19-17 game.

Saints Rushing Leaders

New Orleans had a clear advantage on the ground.

The Saints finished with 26 team carries for 108 yards, an average of 4.2 yards per carry, and scored one rushing touchdown.

Audric Estime led the team in rushing attempts with 21 carries for 63 yards. He averaged 3.0 yards per attempt.

Shough was the second major contributor with 34 yards on only three carries. His 11.3 yards per carry average was easily the highest among the Saints’ listed rushers.

Evan Hull added 11 yards on two attempts, averaging 5.5 yards per carry.

Saints rushing production

• Audric Estime: 21 carries, 63 yards, 3.0 average
• Tyler Shough: 3 carries, 34 yards, 11.3 average, 1 TD
• Evan Hull: 2 carries, 11 yards, 5.5 average
• Team: 26 carries, 108 yards, 4.2 average, 1 TD

The key insight is that New Orleans was not simply unable to run the ball. The Saints generated 108 rushing yards, which was more than twice Atlanta’s 49.

The problem was that rushing success did not translate into a scoring advantage.

Estime’s workload is particularly notable. With 21 carries, he received the majority of the Saints’ rushing attempts. His 63 yards were useful volume production, although the 3.0-yard average indicates that Atlanta generally limited his efficiency.

Shough’s 34 yards were more explosive, but three carries are not enough to build a consistent rushing attack on their own.

Falcons Rushing Performance

Atlanta struggled much more on the ground.

The Falcons finished with 25 team carries for 49 yards, averaging only 2.0 yards per attempt.

Bijan Robinson led Atlanta with 15 carries for 33 yards, averaging 2.2 yards per carry.

Tyler Allgeier carried seven times for 16 yards, averaging 2.3 yards per attempt. Cousins added three carries but finished with zero rushing yards.

Falcons rushing production

• Bijan Robinson: 15 carries, 33 yards, 2.2 average
• Tyler Allgeier: 7 carries, 16 yards, 2.3 average
• Kirk Cousins: 3 carries, 0 yards
• Team: 25 carries, 49 yards, 2.0 average

The contrast with New Orleans is striking.

The Saints averaged 4.2 yards per rushing attempt. Atlanta averaged only 2.0. That created a 59-yard difference in team rushing production.

Robinson receiving 15 carries demonstrates that Atlanta continued to use its primary running back despite limited efficiency. The Falcons’ ability to win without a productive rushing attack suggests that their scoring came from other parts of the game, particularly field goals and passing production to their leading receivers.

Receiving Leaders for New Orleans

New Orleans spread its passing production across several players.

Juwan Johnson led the Saints in receiving yardage with three catches for 61 yards. Dante Pettis followed with five receptions for 60 yards.

Audric Estime recorded five receptions for 43 yards, while Kevin Austin Jr. had four catches for 37 yards.

Taysom Hill finished with three receptions for 32 yards. Ronnie Bell caught two passes for 23 yards and scored a touchdown.

Samori Toure added one reception for three yards.

Saints receiving totals

Player	Receptions	Yards	Touchdowns
Juwan Johnson	3	61	0
Dante Pettis	5	60	0
Audric Estime	5	43	0
Kevin Austin Jr.	4	37	0
Taysom Hill	3	32	0
Ronnie Bell	2	23	1
Samori Toure	1	3	0
Team	23	259	1

The distribution tells us something useful about New Orleans’ passing attack.

No single receiver dominated the target production to the point of becoming the entire offense. Johnson and Pettis were the top yardage contributors, while Estime added five receptions from the backfield.

That kind of distribution can make an offense harder to predict, but it also means the Saints needed several players to consistently win their individual matchups.

Falcons Receiving Leaders

Atlanta’s receiving production was led by Drake London.

London caught four passes for 78 yards and one touchdown. His 78 yards represented a large share of the Falcons’ entire 180-yard passing output.

Kyle Pitts Sr. was next with six receptions for 58 yards.

Darnell Mooney recorded three receptions for 20 yards. David Sills V had one catch for 11 yards, while Bijan Robinson added three receptions for 10 yards. Tyler Allgeier caught one pass for three yards.

Falcons receiving totals

Player	Receptions	Yards	Touchdowns
Drake London	4	78	1
Kyle Pitts Sr.	6	58	0
Darnell Mooney	3	20	0
David Sills V	1	11	0
Bijan Robinson	3	10	0
Tyler Allgeier	1	3	0
Team	18	180	1

London’s performance was particularly important because Atlanta’s passing attack did not generate large overall yardage.

His 78 yards accounted for 43.3% of the Falcons’ passing total. That is a substantial concentration of production.

Pitts provided another reliable outlet with six receptions, meaning London and Pitts combined for 10 catches and 136 receiving yards.

That duo accounted for three-quarters of Atlanta’s passing yardage.

The Biggest Offensive Statistical Difference

The Saints produced more total yardage through the passing and rushing games.

New Orleans recorded:

• 259 passing yards
• 108 rushing yards
• 367 combined offensive yards

Atlanta recorded:

• 180 passing yards
• 49 rushing yards
• 229 combined offensive yards

That creates a 138-yard advantage for New Orleans in total offense.

Yet the Saints lost.

This is one of the most useful lessons from this box score. Total yardage is valuable, but it is not the same thing as winning efficiency.

A team can gain more yards and still lose if it fails to convert those yards into points, gives away valuable possessions, or loses the field-position battle.

The Saints’ 367 total yards were therefore not enough to overcome Atlanta’s scoring efficiency.

Turnovers and Defensive Plays

Both teams recorded one interception.

Carl Granderson intercepted Cousins for New Orleans.

Dee Alford intercepted Shough for Atlanta and returned the interception 59 yards.

That return is particularly significant from a field-position perspective.

The Saints’ interception of Cousins came without a return yard gain listed, while Atlanta’s interception came with 59 return yards. In a two-point game, a 59-yard interception return can materially affect field position and the amount of work an offense needs to do on its next possession.

New Orleans also had a lost fumble by Juwan Johnson.

The supplied data lists Atlanta’s Xavier Watts with zero fumbles and zero lost fumbles, along with one fumble recovery.

This gives Atlanta an important advantage in the turnover story. The teams each recorded an interception, but New Orleans also lost a fumble.

Defensive Comparison

Both defenses recorded four sacks.

That makes the defensive comparison more balanced than the offensive yardage totals might suggest.

New Orleans defense

• 67 total tackles
• 37 solo tackles
• 4 sacks
• 9 tackles for loss
• 8 passes defended
• 9 quarterback hits
• 1 interception

Atlanta defense

• 79 total tackles
• 36 solo tackles
• 4 sacks
• 6 tackles for loss
• 8 passes defended
• 4 quarterback hits
• 1 interception
• Dee Alford: 59 interception return yards

Atlanta recorded 12 more total tackles, while New Orleans had three more tackles for loss and five more quarterback hits.

That suggests the Saints were generating more disruptive contact around the line of scrimmage, at least according to the supplied box score.

Atlanta’s defense, however, produced a turnover return that significantly changed field position.

This is an excellent example of why defensive quality cannot be measured by one statistic.

Sacks, quarterback hits, tackles for loss, passes defended, tackles, and turnovers each tell a different part of the story.

Special Teams May Have Decided the Game

If there is one area that deserves special attention when explaining the final score, it is Atlanta’s kicking.

Zane Gonzalez made all four of his field-goal attempts.

He was 4-for-4, with a long of 51 yards, and made his only extra-point attempt. His listed scoring total was 13 points.

Charlie Smyth of New Orleans went 1-for-2 on field goals, with a long of 29 yards, and converted both extra-point attempts for five total points.

Kicking comparison

Statistic	Charlie Smyth	Zane Gonzalez
Field goals	1/2	4/4
Field-goal percentage	50%	100%
Long	29 yards	51 yards
Extra points	2/2	1/1
Points	5	13

Gonzalez’s 13 points were only six fewer than Atlanta’s entire final score of 19.

That is a remarkable contribution in a game decided by two points.

The Saints had more offensive yardage, but Atlanta repeatedly converted scoring opportunities into three points. That is exactly the type of difference that can turn statistical superiority into a narrow defeat.

Punting and Field Position

The punting numbers also show an advantage for Atlanta in average distance.

Kai Kroeger punted four times for 203 yards, averaging 50.8 yards per punt. He placed one inside the 20-yard line and had a long of 55 yards.

Bradley Pinion punted four times for 229 yards, averaging 57.3 yards per punt. Two of his punts landed inside the 20, and his longest went 69 yards.

Punting comparison

Statistic	Kai Kroeger	Bradley Pinion
Punts	4	4
Total yards	203	229
Average	50.8	57.3
Inside 20	1	2
Long	55	69

Atlanta therefore had an advantage in punting average and inside-the-20 production.

That matters because field position is often invisible in a conventional box-score discussion. A punt does not appear as a scoring play, but a well-placed punt can force an opponent to travel a longer distance for every point.

In a game decided by two points, these small advantages can accumulate.

Return Game Comparison

New Orleans received three kick returns for 78 yards through Evan Hull.

Hull averaged 26.0 yards per return, with a long of 28 yards.

Atlanta used Deven Thompkins and Dylan Drummond on kick returns. Thompkins had two returns for 42 yards, while Drummond had one for 31 yards. Atlanta’s team total was 73 yards.

The Saints therefore had a five-yard advantage in total kick-return yardage.

The punt-return numbers were also competitive.

New Orleans had 28 punt-return yards on three returns. Dante Pettis recorded two returns for 17 yards, while Nyheim Hines had one for 11 yards.

Atlanta’s Deven Thompkins recorded three punt returns for 26 yards, averaging 8.7 yards per return.

The return game did not create a huge statistical gap, but it contributed to the overall field-position picture.

New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats: What Actually Decided the Game?

The most important conclusion from the new orleans saints vs atlanta falcons match player stats is that the game was not won by traditional offensive volume.

New Orleans had:

• More passing yards
• More rushing yards
• More total offensive yards
• A better completion percentage
• A higher yards-per-pass average
• More quarterback hits
• More tackles for loss

Atlanta had:

• More points
• Perfect field-goal kicking
• A major interception return
• Better punting average
• More total tackles
• More points from its kicker

This creates a fascinating contrast.

The Saints were statistically productive between the 20-yard lines. The Falcons were more effective at turning important possessions and opportunities into points.

That distinction is crucial when interpreting close NFL games.

Why 367 Yards Were Not Enough for New Orleans

A 138-yard advantage in total offense normally looks meaningful.

But offensive yards do not automatically become touchdowns.

New Orleans had 259 passing yards and 108 rushing yards, yet scored only 17 points. Atlanta had just 229 total yards but scored 19.

That means Atlanta scored more points with substantially less yardage.

One way to interpret this is through scoring efficiency.

Using the supplied totals, New Orleans scored approximately 4.6 points per 100 yards of total offense.

Atlanta scored approximately 8.3 points per 100 yards.

That is not a standard official NFL statistic, but it is a useful analytical measure for understanding the game.

It highlights the central theme of this matchup: Atlanta extracted more scoreboard value from its limited offensive production.

The Importance of Dee Alford’s Interception Return

Dee Alford’s interception was one of the most consequential defensive plays in the supplied statistics.

He intercepted Shough and returned the ball 59 yards.

An interception is valuable on its own because it ends the opponent’s possession. A long return adds another layer of value by immediately changing field position.

Compare that with New Orleans’ interception of Cousins by Carl Granderson, which is listed with zero return yards.

Both interceptions count equally in the basic turnover column, but their field-position consequences were not identical.

This is why analysts often need to look beyond the turnover count itself.

Drake London Was Atlanta’s Most Productive Receiver

Drake London finished with four receptions for 78 yards and one touchdown.

Those 78 yards accounted for nearly half of Atlanta’s passing output.

His production was particularly valuable because the Falcons did not have a strong rushing attack. When a running game produces only 49 yards, the passing game needs players capable of creating chunk gains.

London provided that.

Kyle Pitts Sr. added six receptions for 58 yards, giving Atlanta two receivers with significant involvement.

Together, London and Pitts accounted for 136 receiving yards, or 75.6% of Atlanta’s passing yardage.

That concentration tells us where much of the Falcons’ passing offense was generated.

Audric Estime’s Dual Role

Estime’s performance deserves attention because he contributed both as a runner and receiver.

He carried 21 times for 63 yards and also caught five passes for 43 yards.

That gives him 106 combined rushing and receiving yards based on the supplied box score.

Although his rushing average was only 3.0 yards per attempt, his receiving production increased his overall contribution.

For a player handling 26 offensive touches between carries and receptions, that workload is significant.

It also helps explain why New Orleans was able to accumulate 367 total offensive yards despite limited scoring.

What the Sacks Tell Us

Both quarterbacks were sacked four times.

That symmetry is interesting because the teams otherwise differed considerably in offensive output.

Shough lost 27 yards on sacks, while Cousins lost 21.

The Saints therefore lost six more yards on sacks despite Atlanta’s defense allowing a similar number of quarterback takedowns.

Four sacks in a close game can have several effects:

1. They reduce offensive yardage.
2. They can move an offense out of field-goal range.
3. They create longer third downs.
4. They can disrupt momentum.
5. They can contribute to field-position disadvantages.

The sack totals alone do not explain the result, but they are part of the broader efficiency story.

A Player-by-Player Snapshot

For readers who want the essential performances without digging through every category, the following names stand out.

New Orleans

Tyler Shough: 23-of-35, 259 yards, one passing touchdown, one interception, four sacks, plus 34 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.

Audric Estime: 21 carries for 63 yards, plus five receptions for 43 yards.

Juwan Johnson: Three catches for 61 yards, plus one lost fumble.

Dante Pettis: Five catches for 60 yards and 17 punt-return yards.

Kevin Austin Jr.: Four receptions for 37 yards.

Ronnie Bell: Two receptions for 23 yards and one touchdown.

Carl Granderson: One interception.

Charlie Smyth: One field goal made on two attempts and two extra points.

Atlanta

Kirk Cousins: 18-of-32, 180 yards, one touchdown, one interception, four sacks.

Drake London: Four catches for 78 yards and one touchdown.

Kyle Pitts Sr.: Six receptions for 58 yards.

Bijan Robinson: 15 carries for 33 yards and three receptions for 10 yards.

Tyler Allgeier: Seven carries for 16 yards and one reception for three yards.

Dee Alford: One interception with a 59-yard return.

Zane Gonzalez: Four field goals made on four attempts, including a 51-yarder, plus one extra point.

Bradley Pinion: Four punts for 229 yards, averaging 57.3 yards.

A Closer Look at the Scoreboard Efficiency

The final score of 19-17 tells us Atlanta won by only two points.

But the underlying statistical profile is unusual.

New Orleans had 367 total yards compared with Atlanta’s 229. That is a difference of 138 yards.

The Saints also had the stronger rushing average by a wide margin.

Yet Atlanta scored 19 points.

This means the game should not be described simply as a case of one team being better offensively.

It was closer to a contrast between volume and conversion.

New Orleans generated volume.

Atlanta converted opportunities.

The Falcons’ four made field goals were especially important. If even one of those attempts had been missed, the final margin would have changed dramatically.

That is the clearest example of how a seemingly small individual performance can determine a close NFL result.

Challenges When Interpreting Box Score Data

Box scores are extremely useful, but they have limits.

A box score can tell you how many yards a player gained. It cannot always tell you whether those yards came on high-leverage plays.

It can show sacks but not fully explain whether the quarterback held the ball too long, the offensive line lost its matchup, or the defense generated an unexpected pressure.

It can show an interception but not the exact tactical reason the quarterback made the throw.

That is why responsible analysis should separate what the data proves from what the analyst infers.

For this game, the supplied statistics clearly establish that:

• New Orleans produced more total yardage.
• Atlanta scored more points.
• Both teams had four sacks.
• Both quarterbacks threw one interception.
• New Orleans lost a fumble.
• Atlanta’s kicker made four field goals.
• Dee Alford had a 59-yard interception return.
• New Orleans rushed for 108 yards.
• Atlanta rushed for 49 yards.

Those facts provide a strong foundation for interpretation without requiring unsupported claims about specific play calls or coaching decisions.

How to Read These Statistics Like an Analyst

If you are comparing player performances from this game, avoid looking at only one number.

A better approach is to use several layers.

Step 1: Start with production

Look at yards, receptions, carries, completions, sacks, tackles, and turnovers.

This tells you what happened statistically.

Step 2: Check efficiency

Yards per attempt, yards per carry, completion percentage, field-goal percentage, and return averages show how efficiently those opportunities were used.

Step 3: Check scoring impact

A player can have fewer yards but contribute directly to points.

Gonzalez is the clearest example. His 13 kicking points were a major part of Atlanta’s 19-point total.

Step 4: Look at turnovers

Not all turnovers have identical consequences.

Alford’s 59-yard interception return produced a much different field-position swing than a zero-yard interception return.

Step 5: Consider the game situation

A two-point victory requires a different interpretation than a 30-point blowout.

In a close game, field goals, turnovers, sacks, and return yardage can have enormous importance.

What This Matchup Says About NFL Team Performance

One of the broader lessons from this game is that NFL victories do not always belong to the team with the largest statistical totals.

The Saints had a substantial advantage in total offense.

But Atlanta was more efficient in several high-impact areas.

That is why evaluating a game solely through yardage can be misleading.

A team can control more of the statistical volume while another team controls the most valuable moments.

This is especially true in low-scoring games.

When the combined score is only 36 points, every field goal and turnover carries greater relative importance than it might in a high-scoring shootout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the Saints vs Falcons game on January 4, 2026?

The Atlanta Falcons defeated the New Orleans Saints 19-17 on January 4, 2026.

Who was the leading passer in the game?

Tyler Shough led the game in passing yards with 259 yards on 23 completions in 35 attempts. Kirk Cousins passed for 180 yards.

Who led the Saints in rushing?

Audric Estime led New Orleans with 21 carries for 63 yards. Tyler Shough added 34 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown.

Who was Atlanta’s leading receiver?

Drake London led Atlanta with four receptions for 78 yards and one touchdown.

Which kicker had the better game?

Zane Gonzalez had the stronger statistical kicking performance. He made all four field-goal attempts, including a 51-yard kick, and scored 13 points.

Did the Saints have more total yards?

Yes. New Orleans produced 367 total offensive yards, while Atlanta recorded 229. Despite that 138-yard advantage, New Orleans lost 19-17.

Conclusion

The new orleans saints vs atlanta falcons match player stats from January 4, 2026 present a useful example of why NFL games cannot be judged by yardage alone.

Tyler Shough produced 259 passing yards, while the Saints generated 108 rushing yards and 367 total yards. Audric Estime carried a heavy workload, Juwan Johnson and Dante Pettis led the receiving production, and Carl Granderson recorded an interception.

Atlanta, however, found a different path to victory.

Kirk Cousins passed for 180 yards, Drake London delivered 78 receiving yards and a touchdown, and the Falcons’ defense produced four sacks and a critical interception by Dee Alford that included a 59-yard return. Most importantly, Zane Gonzalez converted all four of his field-goal attempts and scored 13 points.

The result was a 19-17 Atlanta victory despite New Orleans holding a major advantage in total yardage.

The deeper lesson is straightforward: production matters, but efficiency, turnovers, field position, and scoring opportunities often decide close NFL games. This matchup demonstrates that difference clearly, with Atlanta converting fewer offensive yards into more points and ultimately securing the two-point win.