Sean Payton rarely shies away from risks — and desperate times only seem to embolden him.

The Saints’ coach decided against a short, game-tying field goal attempt on fourth-and-1 with under seven minutes left in a crucial divisional game against Atlanta, opting instead to give fullback Mike Karney his only carry [...]

Falcons linebacker Curtis Lofton pounded his fist into the Louisiana Superdome turf after Pierre Thomas bowled over him for a first down.
The game-sealing carry provided the perfect punctuation for the Saints’ undrafted, second-year running back following the most important performance of his young career.
Thomas rushed for 102 yards and scored two touchdowns, helping New Orleans [...]