Injuries and personnel decisions have tested the Falcons’ defense this season, and it has allowed the team’s depth to shine through, including Thursday night in their win over the Saints.

The Falcons have been without the recipient of their franchise tag (CB Brent Grimes) for all but the first game of the season, and their top addition of the offseason (CB Asante Samuel) missed all but the first three defensive snaps Thursday night after aggravating a shoulder injury in their biggest game of the season thus far. It thrust CBs Robert McClain and Chris Owens into basically full-time duty, and the Falcons still managed to become the first team ever to intercept Saints QB Drew Brees five times in one game and also ended his record streak of games with at least one touchdown pass at 54.

Atlanta has gone three consecutive games without allowing a passing touchdown.

“I am extremely happy with the way our defense played, more specifically, our secondary,” said SS William Moore, who made two interceptions. “I feel like our depth gets overlooked. When Brent Grimes went down, and also Asante (Samuel) this game, guys like Christopher Owens and Robert McClain were ready and prepared to fill in those shoes.”