One of the hottest teams to start the 2024 NFL season was the New Orleans Saints, as their offense looked near unstoppable after consecutive wins over the Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys, where they scored a total of 91 points.
Unfortunately, that offensive dominance in the first two weeks of the season was shortlived, as the Saints came back down to earth in Week 3, losing to the Philadelphia Eagles while only scoring 12 points.
In Week 4, the Saints were hoping to get back on the road against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons, which looked like a formidable opponent after facing three tough teams in a row in the Pittsburgh Steelers, Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs.
Although the Saints were going back and forth with Kirk Cousins and company on Sunday, one muffed punt early in the game, which resulted in a touchdown for the Falcons, might’ve been the difference.
The NFL’s X account showed how the mistake unfolded for the Saints.
Muffed punt! Touchdown!
The @AtlantaFalcons recover the loose ball for SIX!
📺: #NOvsATL on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/DIgHsXa0vp— NFL (@NFL) September 29, 2024
Ultimately, the Falcons went on to win this game against their division rivals by two points, which shows how costly this muffed punt turned out to be.
With the loss, the Saints are now 2-2 on the season with a two-game losing streak heading into Week 5.
Only time will tell if the Saints can turn things around after such a promising start.