Quick Reactions: The Falcons emerge victorious in a sloppy division game

With another heart-stopping performance this year, the Atlanta Falcons pulled themselves out of the quagmire with victory over their rivals. It wasn't a pretty game, and these divisional rivalries rarely offer pretty games, so let's get started.

Here are my quick reactions for week 4.

Troy Andersen's breakout game

Andersen, the MVP of the defense and possibly the game, was all over the field today with nine solo tackles and six assists. His hitting plays helped cover up the poor defensive performance of his teammates. We saw him hit Kamara in the hole and stuff the running back, and we watched him rush down the back as he tried to run away from the linebacker. The Montanan put his speed and athleticism on full display as he brought a 47-yard pick-six to the house thanks to an assist from Matthew Judon.

Andersen has taken so much heat since Nate Landman's fall that people have ignored how rough Elliss looked on the inside (today's performance: ugh). Still, the team never gave up on their second-round pick and it's a good thing they ignored the noise. Today was Andersen's tenth start as a professional and it looked like everything was falling into place, giving us a taste of the pinnacle that was possible for him. Unfortunately, the linebacker was injured during a play that he should never have been on the field for. Now we have to hold our breath and hope it's nothing too serious.

The slot corner needs to be reevaluated

First let me say that Alford had good coverage in the end zone to force a turnover on downs. That was also his only positive coverage rep of the day, and the throw itself would have required an NFL street-level one-handed catch from Chris Olave. The slot corner needed a comeback game after a tough two-game deficit, and unfortunately he didn't.

It's clear now that the offense views Alford as the weak link and will continue to attack him, as defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake doesn't seem to feel the need to give anyone any leeway.

That has to change in week 5. The Falcons' CB2 was discussed relentlessly early in the season, but many pointed out that the other corners in the room should significantly raise the floor and give the Falcons options. Whether it's Antonito Hamilton or Clark Phillips doesn't matter at this point. Lake needs to start giving others a chance and forcing the offense to look elsewhere in the passing game.

The ghost of Dan Quinn walks these halls

It was a disgusting form of football and all too familiar to me. The Falcons were lucky to get their second win of the season in a game where they had to throw up. Despite opportunities due to injuries, the game plan faltered on both sides. The offense failed to score a touchdown. In fact, that was the case (twice), but both were recalled due to penalties. There was a very challenging third place but Raheem Morris didn't let it bother him. I think this type of challenge is best saved for the preseason?

The Saints handed this game to the Falcons, and they almost blew it. Why do the Falcons go 30 yards when they only need 8-10 yards to make the field goal easier for Koo? Why do these employees continue to play against veterans like Kentavius ​​Street who have been nothing but a liability? Why was Troy Andersen still on special teams (where his injury occurred) even though you just signed a linebacker off the street known for his special teams play?

Fans will want to focus on offense and I understand that, but it's about not seeing the forest for the trees. Today was a coaching failure across the board.

The interior defensive line is a weak point

One of the rookie defensive tackles needs to be called up this week as the statement that the Falcons are deep inside is a lie. The group doesn't even make an impact in the running game anymore. Little did they know that the Saints were dealing with two injuries at center and guard. David Oneymata and Grady Jarrett should benefit from this new rotation lineup, but neither plays a role for the most part. Kentavius ​​Street offers this defense next to nothing at this point, taking away reps from players who deserve it more.

You made two defensive tackles, then smiled smugly for the cameras while telling everyone that you were at the forefront and working for the future because you had no immediate needs. The future is now, and while we're at it, everyone's blueprint is for the future, so that statement never made sense. The reality is, if the Falcons are still so afraid to play their rookies, then neither the pick nor the pick they gave away was worth it. The Falcons have no pass rush strength; They are still the same team as always. They either need to get their rookies on the field or find a way to get more out of their veterans, and that needs to happen now.

Special teams are important

KOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! THAT'S WHY YOU PAY KICKERS! Younghoe Koo is the MVP of today's game. He scored 12 points and made a game-winning 58-yard field goal. Koo improved 2/2 from the 50+ range today, appearing to wash away the concerns from a year ago in this range.

It wasn't just Koo who appeared in the forgotten third phase today either. KhaDarel Hodge, the Falcons' special teams ace, showed his tireless effort when he fell on Rashid Shaheed's muffed punt for a touchdown. Special teams accounted for 20 points today, and while that metric isn't sustainable, it should still be celebrated after defeating division rivals.

The Falcons won Matchup 111 and took the series lead, something the Aints last did in 1967. There are a lot of things that need to be cleaned up and I know I complained a lot about today's performance, but we'll revisit those points next Tuesday. Until then, it's all about celebrating the win and making sure New Orleans fans don't forget it.