NEW ORLEANS — Saints fans left the Superdome Sunday feeling optimistic.
“This is what we needed," one fan said.
All eyes were on interim head coach, Darren Rizzi. It was his first game at the helm, and it resulted in a 20-17 win over the Atlanta Falcons, ending the Saints' seven game losing streak.
“This is what the city needed. Because we had lost seven straight games, and we finally got a win, and we beat Atlanta. And since we beat Atlanta, that’s our Super Bowl, that’s our rival. So, I feel good," another fan said.
One fan called the victory 'payback' for the Falcons beating the Black and Gold earlier this season.
Fans had mixed feelings about Rizzi taking charge.
“Dennis Allen, you got what you deserved, and we improvised," one fan said, "And we beat the Atlanta Falcons. That’s all that counted. They want to rise up, but they need to rise out.”
“I think he going to do a great job. I don’t think that’s the permanent answer for the Saints," another fan said, "But I think once we do what we need to do we will be a-ok.”
Dennis Allen was cut Monday. It's the first time the Saints have fired a head coach mid-season since 1980.
“It’s been a dim week, and we are happy now," one fan said.
With seven games remaining this season, fans hope Sunday's win marks a turning point. Next Sunday, the Black and Gold take on the Cleveland Browns in the dome.
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