The Atlanta Falcons put together another dominant primetime performance Monday night, defeating the New Orleans Saints 45-24 and making a little NFL history along the way.
Atlanta became the first team in NFL history to win consecutive games by 20 or more points, with both victories coming on the road in primetime.
The 45 points were the most the Falcons have scored in a game since the 2016 season.
Atlanta’s offense was rolling from the start, and running back Bijan Robinson wasted no time making an impact.
On his first touch of the game, Robinson broke free for a 59-yard touchdown run, giving Atlanta an early spark. He later powered into the end zone from four yards out with 52 seconds remaining in the first quarter, becoming the only player this season to score multiple rushing touchdowns in the opening quarter.
Robinson continued adding to his growing list of milestones.
He became just the second Falcon since 2000 to record a rush of at least 50 yards in consecutive games, joining Michael Turner.
He also tied Julio Jones and Turner for the longest streak of consecutive road games with a touchdown in franchise history at six.
Robinson has now averaged 145.5 scrimmage yards in 12 career primetime games. In five Monday Night Football appearances, he has averaged 174.2 scrimmage yards per game, the highest average in MNF history.
His three career rushing touchdowns of 50 yards or more on Monday Night Football are tied with Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith for the most ever.
And Robinson was not the only Atlanta running back finding the end zone.
Brian Robinson Jr. finished with 62 yards on 14 carries and a career-high three rushing touchdowns.
Together, Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson became just the second pair of Falcons in franchise history to record multiple rushing touchdowns in the same game, joining Dave Hampton and Eddie Ray in 1973.
Atlanta finished with five rushing touchdowns, just the third time in franchise history the Falcons have reached that mark.
Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was sharp and efficient throughout the night.
Penix completed 15 of 20 passes for 223 yards and one touchdown, finishing with a career-high 127.7 passer rating.
It marked his second straight game completing at least 70 percent of his passes.
Wide receiver Drake London led Atlanta with 96 receiving yards on five catches, while Jahan Dotson hauled in a 31-yard touchdown reception for his first score as a Falcon.
The offensive performance continued a strong two-game stretch for Atlanta.
After producing 498 total yards in Week 3, the Falcons followed with 401 yards against New Orleans. It marked the first time since 2020 that Atlanta recorded at least 400 yards of offense in consecutive road games.
According to Opta Stats, Atlanta is also the only team in NFL history to produce at least 80 points, 800 total yards and eight rushing touchdowns over a two-game stretch while committing no more than one turnover and allowing no more than one sack.
The defense also played a major role Monday night.
Atlanta held New Orleans to just 50 rushing yards, the Falcons’ lowest rushing total allowed against the Saints since 2011.
It also marked the second consecutive game Atlanta held an opponent to 50 or fewer rushing yards, something the franchise has accomplished only four times in team history.
The Falcons also extended their sack streak to 20 consecutive games, the fourth-longest active streak in the NFL.
Safety Xavier Watts and linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. combined for a sack, the first career sack for both players.
Cornerback C.J. Henderson also came up with a big defensive play, forcing a fumble and recovering it himself. It marked the third forced fumble of his career and his first career fumble recovery.
Veteran tackle Jake Matthews reached another major milestone, making his 200th career start and 199th consecutive start, the longest active streak in the NFL.
Kicker Nick Folk converted a 29-yard field goal and tied his career high with six extra points.
From explosive runs to defensive stops, the Falcons controlled the game and continued building momentum with another statement victory.
Atlanta leaves New Orleans with a 45-24 win, back-to-back dominant primetime road performances and an offense that suddenly looks like one of the most dangerous units in football.
Next up, the Falcons return home to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to host the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, Oct. 11. Kickoff is set for 8:20 p.m. ET.
