For the second consecutive game, the New Orleans Saints committed a stunning error in the kicking game. For the second consecutive game, it appeared to be the play that flipped momentum and helped put New Orleans on the ropes in what eventually became the team’s third loss in as many games to open the 2016 season.
Against New York, it was a blocked field-goal attempt that was returned 65 yards for a touchdown that proved to be the Saints’ undoing in a 16-13 loss to the Giants. Against Atlanta on Monday night in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, it was a botched punt return that gave the Falcons a second chance, one they took advantage of en route to scoring touchdowns on five consecutive possessions, and to scoring points on six straight possessions, in a 45-32 victory over New Orleans.