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Bijan Robinson, New Orleans triumphant – but Saints fail – in 'MNF' winners, losers

The New Orleans Saints marked a poignant 20th anniversary of their historic 2006 return to the Superdome with a pregame celebration featuring former stars like Drew Brees, Steve Gleason, and Devery Henderson, but the emotional moment was overshadowed by a 45-24 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The game, played on October 5, saw the Falcons dominate from the start, with rookie sensation Bijan Robinson delivering an explosive debut, rushing for 147 yards and two touchdowns—including a 59-yard game-opening score—while tying Emmitt Smith’s record for most 50-plus-yard rushing touchdowns in Monday Night Football history.

Atlanta’s ground game and defense stifled the Saints, who struggled to replicate the resilience of their 2006 victory over the Falcons, a game that symbolized the city’s rebirth after Hurricane Katrina. Meanwhile, Robinson’s backup, Brian Robinson Jr., added three rushing touchdowns, helping the Falcons tie a franchise record with five total rushing scores and vault them into a tie atop the NFC South after two wins since quarterback Michael Penix Jr.’s return from injury.

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