Rookies led the way for the Falcons in Sunday’s 24-10 win over the Saints.

The Atlanta Falcons finally got the monkey off their back in Week 12, defeating the New Orleans Saints on the road to end a five-game losing streak. Sunday’s 24-10 victory wasn’t the most exciting game we’ve ever watched, but the Falcons secured their first win since Week 6 to improve to 4-7 on the season.

The defense was clutch, the offense was balanced, and Atlanta’s rookies made plays in all four quarters. Here are five takeaways from the Falcons’ 24-10 victory over the Saints.

Falcons rookies were the difference in Sunday’s game

The Falcons’ 2025 draft class shined once again in Week 12. Even though Billy Bowman Jr. was placed on IR, the rest of the rookies held down the fort on Sunday. James Pearce Jr. recorded a sack in his third consecutive game. Pearce’s 1.5 sacks in Week 12 tied for the team lead with Brandon Dorlus. Jalon Walker also recorded a sack, and third-round pick Xavier Watts came down with his third interception of the season to seal the victory in the final seconds. As frustrating as this offseason will likely be without a 2026 first-round pick, Atlanta’s rookies are playing about as well as anyone could’ve hoped.

Kirk Cousins delivers to end losing streak

Cousins got the start and for the most part, looked comfortable. He finished with 199 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. The veteran QB did throw a pick-six but bounced right back and threw his 290th career touchdown to tie Johnny Unitas at No. 17 on the all-time passing touchdowns list. Cousins’ 49-yard strike to Darnell Mooney put the game out of reach for the Saints. Obviously, this wasn’t the toughest opponent the Falcons have played lately, but Cousins did his job and delivered down the stretch.

Brandon Dorlus records team-high sixth sack

The former fourth-round pick recorded 1.5 sacks in the first half, bringing his season total to a team-high six sacks. Dorlus continues to make plays and probably doesn’t get the credit he deserves. Fans were surprised to see Dorlus listed as a starter over Ruke Orhorhoro on the depth chart, but the former Oregon standout has proven himself and then some. Orhorhoro also finished with a sack on Sunday as the Falcons allowed the Saints to convert just two out of five fourth-down attempts. The defense gave up some big plays, but they consistently finished on Sunday.

Falcons kicker Zane Gonzalez outplays Blake Grupe

Gonzalez had a solid game, making three first-half field goals, including a 56-yarder before halftime. The Falcons have had field goal issues all season long, but Gonzalez has been very good (6-for-6 on field goals, 6-for-6 on extra points). On the other side, Saints kicker Blake Grupe struggled, missing two field goals in the first half.

NFC South standingsTampa Bay Buccaneers (6-4)*Carolina Panthers (6-5)*Atlanta Falcons (4-7)New Orleans Saints (2-9)

The Falcons did little to gain ground in the NFC South standings but they will have to wait and see how the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers fare. The Bucs are currently playing the Rams, and the Panthers will take on the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night. We’ll update the standings once the Bucs game is over.

What’s next for the Falcons

In Week 13, the Falcons will face the New York Jets on the road. The Jets fell to 2-9 on Sunday after losing to the Baltimore Ravens. While things have been rough for first-year head coach Aaron Glenn, the Jets have continued to show fight each week. Atlanta would be wise not to overlook New York.