Miscues on offense and special teams by the New Orleans Saints helped the Atlanta Falcons claim a 10-7 halftime lead in the season finale Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Tight end Juwan Johnson fumbled after making a catch on the team's first possession and the Falcons blocked Kai Kroeger's punt in the first quarter.
Quarterback Tyler Shough, playing without almost all of the team's starting skill players, was 13 of 18 for 143 yards and scored on a 1-yard touchdown run. Johnson was the team's top receiver with two catches for 47 yards.
The New Orleans defense made several big plays in the half: defensive end Cameron Jordan recorded his 10.5 sack of the season, ends Chase Young and Carl Granderson shared a sack of Atlanta quarterback Kirk Cousins and Granderson made an exceptional diving interception in the first quarter. Jordan now has seven seasons with 10 or more sacks, the most in franchise history.
Saints left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. left in the second quarter with an injury.
The Saints (6-10), who are trying to end the season on a five-game winning streak, will get the ball to start the second half against Atlanta (7-9).
