Falcons race out to big lead, hold off Saints 23-13

Atlanta closing in on NFC South Divison title

Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner (33) runs through a hole as New Orleans Saints cornerback Patrick Robinson (21) and New Orleans Saints middle linebacker Curtis Lofton (50) defend during the first half of Thursday's game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. - photo by David Goldman

1130Falcons1 — Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner (33) runs through a hole as New Orleans Saints cornerback Patrick Robinson (21) and New Orleans Saints middle linebacker Curtis Lofton (50) defend during the first half of Thursday's game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. - photo by David Goldman

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons moved to the brink of clinching a division championship. Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints wound up with egg on their faces. After racing to a 17-0 lead, the Falcons turned to their defense to make it stand up, picking off five of Brees' passes and ending his NFL-record touchdown streak in a 23-13 victory over the Saints on Thursday night.

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