Saints-Falcons 20th anniversary game scheduled despite Falcons’ protests

The NFL has placed the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons against each other in a Week 4 Monday Night Football matchup to mark the 20th anniversary of the 2006 “Domecoming” game. That original contest, played on September 25, 2006, was the first NFL game in the Louisiana Superdome after Hurricane Katrina and was hailed as a symbol of the city’s recovery; the Saints won 23‑3.

According to sources cited by NOLA.com columnist Jeff Duncan, the Falcons did not want to serve as the opponent for the commemorative game, but the league proceeded with the schedule despite their pleas. The league’s decision ensures the anniversary will be celebrated, though some fans and commentators view the timing as a missed opportunity to align the game more closely with the original date.