Falcons Keep Rolling, Even Without Chandler

The Atlanta Falcons knew they could win with Chris Chandler at quarterback. On Sunday, they finally proved they could win without him.

Even though 44-year-old Steve DeBerg had to take over for the injured Chandler, Atlanta (5-1) matched the best start in franchise history with a 31-23 victory over the New Orleans Saints.

DeBerg threw his first touchdown pass since 1993, while the Falcons’ defense chipped in with six points on Eugene Robinson’s 25-yard interception return for a touchdown.

“My responsibility was not to lose the football game,” said DeBerg, who retired as a player after the ’93 season but came back this year. “I really didn’t feel like I played as well as I’m capable.”

It was good enough for the Falcons, who let out a collective gasp when Chandler suffered bruised ribs and a sprained left shoulder on a sack by Mark Fields with 1:20 to play in the first half.

It was the latest setback in an injury-plagued career that included two concussions, a sprained ankle and bruised sternum last season. He missed two games altogether and parts of four others--and the Falcons lost all six. They are 11-4 when Chandler plays a complete game.

Chandler said he hopes to return Sunday.

DeBerg completed seven of 10 passes for 60 yards after replacing Chandler, who was seven for 10 for 129 yards, including a 45-yard touchdown pass to Tony Martin.

The Atlanta defense stifled the Saints in the second half before a defensive breakdown by rookie cornerback Elijah Williams allowed Keith Poole to get loose for an 82-yard touchdown pass from Billy Joe Tolliver with 3:19 remaining.

The Falcons also started 5-1 in 1986, but lost seven of its last nine games and missed the playoffs.