Game story
In Week 11 of the 2002 NFL season on 2002-11-17, the Atlanta Falcons took care of business against the New Orleans Saints, pulling away with a 24–17 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 24 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
A. Brooks (New Orleans Saints) paced the passing game, with +7.33 total EPA.
On the individual side, M. Vick (Atlanta Falcons) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +10.39 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+22.5% win probability) landed in the second quarter when Atlanta Falcons changed the game: (9:14) 7-M.Vick pass to 81-T.Gaylor for 74 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans Saints | 0 | 3 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
| Atlanta Falcons | 7 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 24 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 M. Vick · Atlanta Falcons · Passing · +10.39 total EPA · 34 snaps · +0.31 EPA/play
- 2 J. Horn · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +9.14 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.83 EPA/play
- 3 T. Gaylor · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +8.39 total EPA · 4 snaps · +2.10 EPA/play
- 4 A. Brooks · New Orleans Saints · Passing · +7.33 total EPA · 41 snaps · +0.18 EPA/play
- 5 A. Crumpler · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +3.29 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.82 EPA/play
- 6 W. Dunn · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +2.14 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.53 EPA/play
- 7 B. Williams · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +2.11 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.53 EPA/play
- 8 B. Kozlowski · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +1.13 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.13 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
M. Vick — ATL · Passing
M. Vick posted the highest total EPA (+10.39) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Atlanta Falcons's efficiency. Across 34 counted snaps, they averaged +0.31 EPA per play.
The signature play (+7.23 EPA) came from Atlanta Falcons: (9:14) 7-M.Vick pass to 81-T.Gaylor for 74 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Atlanta Falcons — T. Gaylor (M. Vick pass)
- Atlanta Falcons — M. Vick
- New Orleans Saints — J. Horn (A. Brooks pass)
- Atlanta Falcons — A. Crumpler (M. Vick pass)
- New Orleans Saints — D. Stallworth (A. Brooks pass)
Field goals
- New Orleans Saints — J. Carney
- Atlanta Falcons — J. Feely
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The second quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 7–0. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the NO 74 (Q2 39:14) — (9:14) 7-M.Vick pass to 81-T.Gaylor for 74 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q2 39:03) — 4-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-13-C.Mohr..
The third quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 7–3. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the NO 7 (Q3 21:53) — (6:53) (Shotgun) 7-M.Vick right end for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q3 21:45) — 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 17 (Q3 18:42) — (3:42) 3-J.Carney 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-T.Gowin..
The fourth quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 14–10. Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the NO 24 (Q4 14:43); New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the ATL 57 (Q4 12:03) — (12:03) (Shotgun) 2-A.Brooks pass to 87-J.Horn for 57 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q4 11:54) — 3-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-T.Gowin.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the NO 4 (Q4 4:01) — (4:01) 7-M.Vick pass to 83-A.Crumpler for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on NO-99-N.Hand, Defensive Offside, declined.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q4 3:56) — 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 12 (Q4 0:55) — (:55) (Shotgun) 2-A.Brooks pass to 83-D.Stallworth for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q4 0:47) — 3-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-T.Gowin..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q2 39:14) — (9:14) 7-M.Vick pass to 81-T.Gaylor for 74 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- New Orleans Saints (Q2 35:29) — (5:29) 2-A.Brooks sacked at ATL 34 for -6 yards (93-S.Rogers). FUMBLES (93-S.Rogers), touched at ATL 30, RECOVERED by ATL-56-K.Brooking at ATL 34. Sacked is credited for 2 yards by rule.
- New Orleans Saints (Q4 12:03) — (12:03) (Shotgun) 2-A.Brooks pass to 87-J.Horn for 57 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q2 30:32) — (:32) 7-M.Vick pass INTERCEPTED by 27-K.Irvin at NO 13. 27-K.Irvin to NO 23 for 10 yards (81-T.Gaylor). Play Challenged by Replay Official and Upheld.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q2 44:57) — (14:57) 7-M.Vick pass incomplete to 21-J.Bolden. PENALTY on NO-21-D.Carter, Defensive Pass Interference, 21 yards, enforced at ATL 6 - No Play.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q2 39:14) — (9:14) 7-M.Vick pass to 81-T.Gaylor for 74 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- New Orleans Saints (Q4 12:03) — (12:03) (Shotgun) 2-A.Brooks pass to 87-J.Horn for 57 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- New Orleans Saints (Q3 20:58) — (5:58) 2-A.Brooks pass to 87-J.Horn to ATL 11 for 63 yards (21-J.Bolden).
- New Orleans Saints (Q2 35:29) — (5:29) 2-A.Brooks sacked at ATL 34 for -6 yards (93-S.Rogers). FUMBLES (93-S.Rogers), touched at ATL 30, RECOVERED by ATL-56-K.Brooking at ATL 34. Sacked is credited for 2 yards by rule.
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) · 41 dropbacks · 48.8% completion · +0.18 EPA/play · +7.33 total EPA
- M.Vick (Atlanta Falcons) · 34 dropbacks · 32.4% completion · +0.31 EPA/play · +10.39 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | New Orleans Saints | Atlanta Falcons |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.055 | +0.103 |
| Offensive success rate | 45.3% | 43.8% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.179 | +0.306 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.139 | -0.043 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.103 | -0.055 |
| Defensive success rate | 56.2% | 54.7% |
By the numbers
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (New Orleans Saints +0.06, Atlanta Falcons +0.10) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
- Atlanta Falcons: 10 drives, +9.20 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- New Orleans Saints: 10 drives, +4.11 total EPA, 3 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.
- Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 39:14 · NO 74 · Score 0-6
(9:14) 7-M.Vick pass to 81-T.Gaylor for 74 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 39:03 · NO 2 · Score 0-7
4-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-13-C.Mohr. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q3 21:53 · NO 7 · Score 0-13
(6:53) (Shotgun) 7-M.Vick right end for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q3 21:45 · NO 2 · Score 0-14
4-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-13-C.Mohr. - New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q3 18:42 · ATL 17 · Score 3-14
(3:42) 3-J.Carney 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-T.Gowin. - Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q4 14:43 · NO 24 · Score 3-17
(14:43) 4-J.Feely 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-13-C.Mohr. Penalty on NO, Defensive 12 On-field, declined. Penalty on NO-44-T.Smith, D - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q4 12:03 · ATL 57 · Score 9-17
(12:03) (Shotgun) 2-A.Brooks pass to 87-J.Horn for 57 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q4 11:54 · ATL 2 · Score 10-17
3-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-T.Gowin. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q4 4:01 · NO 4 · Score 10-23
(4:01) 7-M.Vick pass to 83-A.Crumpler for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on NO-99-N.Hand, Defensive Offside, declined. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q4 3:56 · NO 2 · Score 10-24
4-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-13-C.Mohr. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q4 0:55 · ATL 12 · Score 16-24
(:55) (Shotgun) 2-A.Brooks pass to 83-D.Stallworth for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q4 0:47 · ATL 2 · Score 17-24
3-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-4-T.Gowin.
Frequently asked questions
Who won New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons?
The Atlanta Falcons beat the New Orleans Saints 24-17 in Week 11, 2002 on 2002-11-17.
What was the final score of New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons?
The final score was New Orleans Saints 17, Atlanta Falcons 24 (NO 17-24 ATL) in Week 11, 2002 on 2002-11-17.
What was the score by quarter in New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons?
Q2: New Orleans Saints 0, Atlanta Falcons 7; Q3: New Orleans Saints 3, Atlanta Falcons 7; Q4: New Orleans Saints 14, Atlanta Falcons 10; Final: New Orleans Saints 17, Atlanta Falcons 24.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons?
Atlanta Falcons touchdown — T. Gaylor (M. Vick pass) (Q2 39:14) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — M. Vick (Q3 21:53) New Orleans Saints touchdown — J. Horn (A. Brooks pass) (Q4 12:03) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — A. Crumpler (M. Vick pass) (Q4 4:01) New Orleans Saints touchdown — D. Stallworth (A. Brooks pass) (Q4 0:55) New Orleans Saints field goal — J. Carney (Q3 18:42, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — J. Feely (Q4 14:43, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons?
A. Brooks (New Orleans Saints), 48.8% completion, +0.18 EPA per dropback, +7.33 total passing EPA. M. Vick (Atlanta Falcons), 32.4% completion, +0.31 EPA per dropback, +10.39 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons?
M. Vick (Atlanta Falcons) led the game in total EPA with +10.39 on passing plays. across 34 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+7.23 EPA): (9:14) 7-M.Vick pass to 81-T.Gaylor for 74 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was +22.5%.
Was New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons a close game?
Yes — the margin was 7 points. Atlanta Falcons won 24-17 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
Season records after this game
New Orleans Saints
Entered 7-2 Now 7-3 L
Atlanta Falcons
Entered 5-3 Now 6-3 W
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