Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints: 2002 Week 8 Recap

Game story

In Week 8 of the 2002 NFL season on 2002-10-27, the Atlanta Falcons took care of business against the New Orleans Saints, pulling away with a 37–35 final that came down to the wire.

The highest-scoring period was Q3 with 25 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

A. Brooks (New Orleans Saints) paced the passing game, with +4.18 total EPA.

On the individual side, M. Vick (Atlanta Falcons) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +14.16 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (+45.6% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Atlanta Falcons changed the game: (:03) 4-J.Feely 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-13-C.Mohr.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.

1. 1 M. Vick · Atlanta Falcons · Passing · +14.16 total EPA · 36 snaps · +0.39 EPA/play
2. 2 B. Finneran · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +6.76 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.69 EPA/play
3. 3 D. McAllister · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +4.45 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.64 EPA/play
4. 4 A. Brooks · New Orleans Saints · Passing · +4.18 total EPA · 42 snaps · +0.10 EPA/play
5. 5 D. McAllister · New Orleans Saints · Rushing · +3.19 total EPA · 19 snaps · +0.17 EPA/play
6. 6 A. Crumpler · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +2.83 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.47 EPA/play
7. 7 B. Christian · Atlanta Falcons · Rushing · +2.29 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.46 EPA/play
8. 8 M. Vick · Atlanta Falcons · Rushing · +2.08 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.42 EPA/play

Player of the game

FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

• New Orleans Saints — D. McAllister (Q1 47:48)
• Atlanta Falcons — M. Vick (Q2 42:06)
• Atlanta Falcons — W. Dunn (Q2 33:58)
• Atlanta Falcons — B. Christian (Q3 27:06)
• New Orleans Saints — D. McAllister (A. Brooks pass) (Q3 25:46)
• New Orleans Saints — J. Horn (A. Brooks pass) (Q3 17:35)
• Atlanta Falcons — M. Vick (Q4 6:05)
• New Orleans Saints — D. McAllister (Q4 2:26)

Field goals

• New Orleans Saints — J. Carney (Q1 55:46)
• Atlanta Falcons — J. Feely (Q3 20:32)
• Atlanta Falcons — J. Feely (Q4 14:40)
• New Orleans Saints — J. Carney (Q4 3:38)
• Atlanta Falcons — J. Feely (Q4 0:03)

How it unfolded, quarter by quarter

A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.

The opening quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 10–0. New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the ATL 22 (Q1 55:46) — (10:46) 3-J.Carney 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-T.Gowin.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the ATL 1 (Q1 47:48) — (2:48) 26-D.McAllister left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q1 47:43) — 3-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-T.Gowin..

The second quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 14–0. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the NO 3 (Q2 42:06) — (12:06) 7-M.Vick right end for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q2 42:00) — 4-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-13-C.Mohr.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the NO 3 (Q2 33:58) — (3:58) 28-W.Dunn left guard for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q2 33:54) — 4-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-13-C.Mohr..

The third quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 15–10. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the NO 8 (Q3 27:06) — (12:06) 44-B.Christian right guard for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q3 27:00) — 4-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-13-C.Mohr.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the ATL 19 (Q3 25:46) — (10:46) 2-A.Brooks pass to 26-D.McAllister for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 2, Run 17; New Orleans Saints registered a safety from the ATL 2 (Q3 25:39) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 2-A.Brooks pass to 82-B.Williams is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the NO 13 (Q3 20:32) — (5:32) 4-J.Feely 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-13-C.Mohr.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the ATL 6 (Q3 17:35) — (2:35) 2-A.Brooks pass to 87-J.Horn for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 6, Run 0; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q3 17:30) — 3-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-T.Gowin..

The fourth quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 13–10. Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the NO 14 (Q4 14:40) — (14:40) 4-J.Feely 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-13-C.Mohr.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the NO 32 (Q4 6:05) — (6:05) (Shotgun) 7-M.Vick scrambles for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q4 5:57) — 4-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-13-C.Mohr.; New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the ATL 22 (Q4 3:38) — (3:38) 3-J.Carney 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-T.Gowin.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the ATL 16 (Q4 2:26) — (2:26) 26-D.McAllister left tackle for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q4 2:20) — 3-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-T.Gowin.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the NO 29 (Q4 0:03) — (:03) 4-J.Feely 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-13-C.Mohr..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.

• Atlanta Falcons (Q4 0:03) — (:03) 4-J.Feely 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-13-C.Mohr. [WPA +45.6% · EPA +0.89]
• Atlanta Falcons (Q4 3:33) — (3:33) 28-W.Dunn left guard to ATL 28 for 8 yards (20-J.Bellamy). FUMBLES (20-J.Bellamy), RECOVERED by NO-22-F.Thomas at ATL 28. 22-F.Thomas to ATL 28 for no gain (70-B.Whitfield). [WPA -20.4% · EPA -3.33]
• New Orleans Saints (Q4 2:26) — (2:26) 26-D.McAllister left tackle for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +20.0% · EPA +4.03]
• Atlanta Falcons (Q3 15:55) — (:55) 28-W.Dunn left guard pushed ob at NO 18 for 56 yards (29-S.Knight). [WPA +16.8% · EPA +4.40]
• Atlanta Falcons (Q4 6:05) — (6:05) (Shotgun) 7-M.Vick scrambles for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +15.2% · EPA +4.65]

Impact plays

Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.

• Atlanta Falcons (Q4 6:05) — (6:05) (Shotgun) 7-M.Vick scrambles for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +15.2% · EPA +4.65]
• Atlanta Falcons (Q3 15:55) — (:55) 28-W.Dunn left guard pushed ob at NO 18 for 56 yards (29-S.Knight). [WPA +16.8% · EPA +4.40]
• New Orleans Saints (Q3 28:36) — (13:36) (Shotgun) 2-A.Brooks pass intended for 87-J.Horn INTERCEPTED by 29-K.Carpenter at NO 36. 29-K.Carpenter to NO 31 for 5 yards (64-K.Jacox). [WPA -7.9% · EPA -4.19]
• Atlanta Falcons (Q2 31:19) — (1:19) 7-M.Vick pass to 28-W.Dunn to NO 7 for 10 yards (29-S.Knight). FUMBLES (29-S.Knight), touched at NO 5, RECOVERED by NO-91-G.Jackson at NO 5. 91-G.Jackson to NO 5 for no gain (85-B.Kozlowski). P [WPA -10.8% · EPA -4.12]

Quarterback report card

A.Brooks led all passers in efficiency for New Orleans Saints, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

• A.Brooks (New Orleans Saints) · 42 dropbacks · 38.1% completion · +0.10 EPA/play · +4.18 total EPA
• M.Vick (Atlanta Falcons) · 36 dropbacks · 44.4% completion · +0.39 EPA/play · +14.16 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.

By the numbers

Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Atlanta Falcons +0.23, New Orleans Saints +0.18) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.

• Atlanta Falcons: 11 drives, +20.92 total EPA, 7 scoring drives
• New Orleans Saints: 11 drives, +14.33 total EPA, 6 scoring drives

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.

• Atlanta Falcons leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
• One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
• M. Vick (Atlanta Falcons) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.

Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.

1. New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q1 55:46 · ATL 22 · Score 0-3
   (10:46) 3-J.Carney 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-T.Gowin.
2. New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q1 47:48 · ATL 1 · Score 0-9
   (2:48) 26-D.McAllister left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
3. New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q1 47:43 · ATL 2 · Score 0-10
   3-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-T.Gowin.
4. Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 42:06 · NO 3 · Score 6-10
   (12:06) 7-M.Vick right end for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
5. Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 42:00 · NO 2 · Score 7-10
   4-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-13-C.Mohr.
6. Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 33:58 · NO 3 · Score 13-10
   (3:58) 28-W.Dunn left guard for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
7. Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 33:54 · NO 2 · Score 14-10
   4-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-13-C.Mohr.
8. Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q3 27:06 · NO 8 · Score 20-10
   (12:06) 44-B.Christian right guard for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
9. Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q3 27:00 · NO 2 · Score 21-10
   4-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-13-C.Mohr.
10. New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q3 25:46 · ATL 19 · Score 21-16
    (10:46) 2-A.Brooks pass to 26-D.McAllister for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 2, Run 17
11. New Orleans Saints Safety (+2) — Q3 25:39 · ATL 2 · Score 21-18
    TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 2-A.Brooks pass to 82-B.Williams is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
12. Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q3 20:32 · NO 13 · Score 24-18
    (5:32) 4-J.Feely 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-13-C.Mohr.
13. New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q3 17:35 · ATL 6 · Score 24-24
    (2:35) 2-A.Brooks pass to 87-J.Horn for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 6, Run 0
14. New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q3 17:30 · ATL 2 · Score 24-25
    3-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-T.Gowin.
15. Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q4 14:40 · NO 14 · Score 27-25
    (14:40) 4-J.Feely 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-13-C.Mohr.
16. Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q4 6:05 · NO 32 · Score 33-25
    (6:05) (Shotgun) 7-M.Vick scrambles for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
17. Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q4 5:57 · NO 2 · Score 34-25
    4-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-13-C.Mohr.
18. New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q4 3:38 · ATL 22 · Score 34-28
    (3:38) 3-J.Carney 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-T.Gowin.
19. New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q4 2:26 · ATL 16 · Score 34-34
    (2:26) 26-D.McAllister left tackle for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
20. New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q4 2:20 · ATL 2 · Score 34-35
    3-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-T.Gowin.
21. Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q4 0:03 · NO 29 · Score 37-35
    (:03) 4-J.Feely 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-13-C.Mohr.