ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons scored their first special teams touchdown of the season — and took an early lead on their heated division rival in the process.

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed muffed a Bradley Pinion punt inside the Saints 5-yard line and the ball caromed into the end zone. Falcons safety Micah Abernathy was there first, followed by wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge, who jumped on it for an Atlanta touchdown.

We’ll take that, thank you

FOX | NFL+ pic.twitter.com/j6xNDocO3K

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) September 29, 2024

The Falcons took a 7-0 lead with 11:13 left in the first quarter after a Younghoe Koo extra point.

Hodge, 29, has not taken any offensive snaps this season, but is on the 53-man roster for his special teams prowess. It paid off for the seven-year veteran and the Falcons early in what could be a key NFC South game.