The Saints fired Dennis Allen after a seven-game losing streak, with the final straw coming in a loss to the Panthers on Sunday. Darren Rizzi has them playing like a different team today.

The Saints lead the Falcons 17-7 at halftime after John Ridgeway blocked a 35-yard field goal by Younghoe Koo late in the half.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling is having a day, with three catches for 109 yards and two touchdowns. He scored on plays of 40 yards and 2 yards.

The Saints reached the Atlanta 6 and 20 on their first two drives and came away with three points. Taysom Hill was stopped on fourth down on the team’s first possession, and Blake Grupe kicked a 38-yard field goal.

Derek Carr is 10 of 14 for 196 yards with two touchdowns, with Taysom Hill catching two passes for 36 yards and rushing three times for 10 yards.

The Saints outscored the Falcons 265 to 174 in the first half, with Koo missing two field goals. Koo missed a right wide from 53 yards earlier in the second quarter.

Kirk Cousins ​​is 7 of 15 for 120 yards, while Darnell Mooney catches two for 52.