The New Orleans Saints looked like a team that took a giant leap forward in Thursday night’s 31-21 victory against the previously unbeaten Atlanta Falcons.
But coach Sean Payton, quarterback Drew Brees and the rest of the Saints hold no illusions about the work that still needs to be done.
A big win over a high-flying rival is only the first step. Now, with a road trip to Indianapolis looming this week, New Orleans needs to focus on developing the areas that improved Thursday into consistent strengths and take a hard look at a few areas that could have left the door open against the Falcons.