Miller Rallies Falcons for Win Against Saints

In a game in which he had the best performance of his career, Atlanta Falcon quarterback Chris Miller saved his best for last Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.

Miller completed 23 of 44 passes for 366 yards and three touchdowns, including a three-yard strike to Andre Rison with 1:33 left that helped give the Falcons a 28-27 victory.

The Saints had taken a 27-21 lead on a 23-yard field goal by Morten Andersen with 2:58 left after Miller had fumbled at the 14-yard line.

But Miller, a four-year pro from Oregon, drove the Falcons 80 yards in 10 plays to set up the victory.

Twice Miller and Rison kept the drive alive with fourth-down completions. They connected on a 45-yard play that put the Falcons at the New Orleans 27 and later hooked up on a 16-yard play to the Saints’ six.

After the touchdown pass to Rison, Greg Davis kicked the extra point that gave the Falcons their first victory over the Saints in seven games.

“I had redemption on my mind,” said Miller, whose previous best game had been 340 yards against the Rams. “I’m just thankful I got the chance and thankful we made the most of it.

“In the huddle I said, ‘Guys, this is it. We got to do it. This is our last chance. We’ve got to put it together.’ ”

Rison had 10 receptions for 154 yards and also scored another touchdown on a 20-yard pass play in the third quarter.

Miller also connected with Shawn Collins on a nine-yard touchdown pass and scored Atlanta’s first touchdown on a one-yard run.

“Give credit to Chris Miller,” Rison said. “I believe today he proved to the world that he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.”

The Falcons (2-2) spoiled a solid performance by Saint quarterback John Fourcade, who has been under the gun since New Orleans (1-3) acquired Steve Walsh from Dallas two weeks ago.

Fourcade completed 10 of 17 passes for 235 yards, including touchdowns of 68 yards to Floyd Turner and three yards to Hoby Brenner. Fourcade also scored on a five-yard run.

“I had to prove that I can play this ball game,” Fourcade said. “I had to prove to media people that I’m no fluke. I think it was my best game so far.”

For the fourth consecutive week, the Falcons held an opposing runner to fewer less than 100 yards. New Orleans’ Dalton Hilliard, who had 568 yards in five previous games against the Falcons, managed only 30 yards in 16 carries Sunday. The Saints rushed for only 75 yards in 26 carries.

The Falcons scored on their first two possessions, running 22 plays to only three for the Saints in building a 14-7 lead.