Matt Ryan celebrates with Tony Gonzalez after a 17-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter of the Falcons' 23-13 win. (US Presswire)

The Falcons ended a four-game losing streak to the Saints and improved to an NFL-best 11-1 with their 23-13 win on Thursday night. The victory boosted Matt Ryan’s career home winning percentage to 89 percent (32-4), trailing only New England’s Tom Brady (93) since 2008. Ryan threw for seasons lows in both yards (165) and completions (18), but the Falcons defense forced five interceptions against Drew Brees en route to the victory. 

Offense: C-

After abusing the Saints’ defensive line in a six-play, 80-yard touchdown drive on the opening series, the Falcons largely ignored their rushing attack and forced passes that weren’t there. Ryan was out of rhythm, Roddy White didn’t record a catch until late in the fourth quarter, and Jacquizz Rodgers -- who was a game-changer last weekend against Tampa Bay -- was under-utilized. Atlanta struggled to convert great field position into touchdowns but was fortunate that the defense held their own. In one long, ugly sequence spanning the second and third quarters, the Falcons offense managed just 23 yards off of five straight possessions. Previous game’s ranking: A-

Defense: A

The Falcons offense routinely put the defense in a hole, but each time the unit responded. The five interceptions -- S William Moore (2), S Thomas DeCoud, LB Sean Weatherspoon, and DT Jonathan Babineaux – were a career-worst for Brees, who also saw his 54-game streak with at least one touchdown come to an end. Cornerback Asante Samuel re-aggravated a shoulder injury on the Saints’ first offensive series and backups Chris Owens and Robert McClain were outstanding in blanketing New Orleans’ receivers. It was the first time the Falcons had won the turnover battle since week three. Previous game’s ranking: B+

Special teams: A

Matt Bryant rebounded from his toughest game of the year with arguably his best game of the season. He was three for three on field goal attempts and tied his season-long of 55 yards with 4:25 remaining in the fourth quarter, which made it a two-possession game. Punter Matt Bosher punted six times for a season-high 53.2 yard average. Previous game’s ranking: C- 

Coaching: D

Coach Mike Smith needs to realize when his offense is in a groove and not abandon a rushing attack that fostered the Falcons’ first touchdown. They finished with 124 rushing yards, more than half of which came on the opening drive. Too many times this season Atlanta has jumped out to an early lead – in this case it was 17-0 -- only to cough it up and eventually win ugly. That’s part of the reason why the national media has been so skeptical about the Falcons’ chances in the playoffs. Previous game’s ranking: B+ 

For more Falcons coverage, follow Mike Singer @CBSFalcons.