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ATLANTA (AP) \u2014 The Atlanta Falcons’ running game has taken the pressure off quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in his return to the starting offense.<\/p>\n
Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson combined to rush for 207 yards and five touchdowns as the Falcons’ offense continued their dramatic turnaround with Penix as the starter in Atlanta’s 45-24 win on \u201cMonday Night Football\u201d at New Orleans.<\/p>\n
The Falcons have gone from the lowest-scoring team in the league to the highest with the return of Penix, who has led his team to 80 points in the two weeks he\u2019s been back. In the season\u2019s opening two weeks, with reserve Cooper Rush at the controls, the Falcons scored just 16 combined points in losses to the Steelers and Panthers.<\/p>\n
Atlanta\u2019s dominant win over the Saints came on the heels of a 35-14 blowout at Green Bay on Sept. 24. A team that was booed off its home field after a 34-3 loss to the Panthers is now tied for first place in the NFC South after four games.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat do I think I\u2019ve proven? That I\u2019m healthy. That\u2019s it,\u201d said Penix, who tore his left ACL last November. \u201cI feel like we still got a lot of work to do. I\u2019m not gonna sit here and say I\u2019m satisfied. You know we still got a long season.\u201d<\/p>\n
Atlanta’s offense continues to focus on the running game, but Penix was efficient and avoided mistakes against the Saints. He completed 15 of 20 passes for 223 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions. He spread the ball around, threw a deep 31-yard touchdown pass and led a mistake-free performance that produced six offensive touchdowns and the most points Atlanta has scored in a game since 2016.<\/p>\n
\u201cMike played well. He took care of the football, made some really good throws,\u201d Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday. \u201cI thought the throw late in the game, that third down, get the ball to Drake (London), which was an excellent play. There\u2019s a bunch of great stuff out there, but I really like Mike\u2019s demeanor on game day. I like how he\u2019s he\u2019s operating.\u201d<\/p>\n
What\u2019s working<\/p>\n
Did we mention the offense? It was a complete performance for the second straight week. Beyond stars Bijan Robinson (19 carries, 145 yards, 2 TDs), London (five catches, 96 yards), the Falcons were also able to address other areas. Tight end Kyle Pitts had three catches for 47 yards after entering the game with just two receptions on the season. Jahan Dotson had two catches for 54 yards and a TD as the Falcons search for a No. 2 wide receiver behind London. Brian Robinson Jr. also was strong with 62 yards and three touchdowns on 14 carries.<\/p>\n
The offensive line paved the way for 205 rushing yards and 5.9 yards per attempt, but perhaps even more importantly, allowed the oft-injured Penix to be sacked just once.<\/p>\n
What needs help<\/p>\n
The Falcons knew wide receiver Chris Olave would be the focus of the Saints\u2019 passing game and he was still able to finish with eight catches and 116 yards. The Saints were also able to finish three of their four trips to the red zone with touchdowns, though one was in the final two minutes with the game decided.<\/p>\n
Stock up<\/p>\n