It was over when ...
Drew Brees passed for 296 yards and three touchdowns, while not being sacked.
(Dave Martin / Associated Press)
Jonathan Vilma tackled Jason Snelling short of the first down marker on fourth-and-2 with 1:18 remaining. The Saints took over on downs and Drew Brees kneeled twice to cement New Orleans' 13th consecutive victory.
Game ball
Vilma not only ended the game with his clutch tackle, he also stymied the Falcons' second-to-last drive with a key interception of Chris Redman. He finished the game with seven tackles.
Key Stat
The Saints were efficient on third down, finishing 8 of 12 on that crucial down. They converted seven straight at one point, and that allowed New Orleans to control the tempo and find a comfort zone.
Noteworthy
New Orleans established a new franchise record for victories in a season with its 13th. ... Saints RB Reggie Bush had a career-high two receiving touchdowns. ... There were only two punts in the game. ... Atlanta lost its second straight home game after starting the season 5-0 at the Georgia Dome.