NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Saints will miss the playoffs for the first time in five seasons. They did their part in their season finale with a 30-20 victory over the Falcons but the Rams were unable to lend a helping hand as they lost to San Francisco 49ers in overtime.
"Obviously, the other game didn’t go the way we wanted. Proud of this group. I thought we fought hard and fought hard all season," said Sean Payton.
Trevor Siemian replaced Taysom Hill halfway through the second quarter.
"He (Siemian) came in and did a good job. Threw some touchdown passes. He played well," said Sean Payton.
Hill looked as sharp as he has all season throwing the ball, completing 7 of 9 passes for 107 yards and a touchdown before leaving the game with what head coach Sean Payton told the TV broadcast crew was a Lisfranc injury.
The Saints defense was dominant once again forcing two fumbles and picking off Matt Ryan once.
To open the contest Hill led the Saints on a 10 play 84-yard drive that ended with an 18-yard touchdown pass to Adam Trautman. The Falcons responded with a field goal and the Saints led 7-3 at the end of the first quarter.
The Saints offense didn't punt in the first half but Brett Maher did miss a field goal on the team's second drive.
Siemian stepped right in and threw his first touchdown of the game three plays after Hill exited.
At halftime, the Saints led 24-6.
Alvin Kamara led the way on the ground rushing for 146 yards and catching two passes for 16 yards.
The Saints rollercoaster 2021-22 season is officially over and they finish with a 9-8 record. They will have the 17th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and after starting four different quarterbacks this season the Saints still haven't figured out their long-term answer at the position.