NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi figured one way to help New Orleans overcome its seven-game skid was to think about everything but the losing streak itself.

So Rizzi’s messages revolved around the idea that with a new regime comes a “fresh start.”

“A new season, almost,” Rizzi, who was promoted after last week’s firing of third-year coach Dennis Allen, said Monday. was good.

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“We talked about hitting that refresh button or restart button or whatever you want to call it, so I think everybody in the building had a strategy last week that was just 1-0, 1-0, 1-0,” Rizzi continued . “But overall, for the entire organization and the city, it was a good thing to get out of the streak.”

And the Saints did just that, beating the Falcons 20-17.

Guard Cesar Ruiz said Rizzi’s approach resonated in the locker room.

“There was an emphasis on winning,” Ruiz said. “Just to win this game. To be 1-0 every week, that was the focus, and it feels good that we got it, not only to break the streak, but for Rizz, who cares a lot for us and does a lot for to get ready. success.”

Still, it was just one match. A loss to struggling Cleveland this week could undo much of the goodwill built last weekend.

Now, Rizzi said, maintaining the momentum “will be our biggest challenge.”

“It’s a little easier to get on board right away and then see if it goes well,” Rizzi said. “The changes that we made last week were well received … but I want the guys that walk in here every day to think, ‘What’s next?’

“Are we going to see any more wrinkles this week? Heck yeah,” Rizzi continued. “We’re going to try to do it every week. Try to keep everyone on their toes. … I think you can always keep it fresh as a coach.”

What works

When opposing offenses drive to or inside the New Orleans 20-yard line, the Saints defense has been in the top third of the league in keeping them out of the end zone. New Orleans ranks ninth in the NFL in defensive red zone percentage. The Falcons scored just one touchdown after reaching the red zone. Their second TD came on a 37-yard run by Bijan Robinson.

What needs help

The Saints defensive front has had some unflattering numbers against the run lately. After allowing 181 yards against Atlanta, the Saints have given up 122 or more yards rushing in five of six games, including 277 against Tampa Bay and 225 against Denver.

Stock up

Veteran WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling, a midseason acquisition, had three catches and they were big. He finished with 109 yards and two touchdowns. He might have had more production if the Falcons hadn’t rotated more coverage the way Valdes-Scantling did after he sacked Atlanta for two catches of 40 or more yards in the first half.

Stock down

CB Alontae Taylor may be the Saints’ best defensive back right now, but his aggressiveness could hurt him with the officials. He was penalized three times for 34 yards and his shortest penalty, a 5-yarder for defensive holding, resulted in an automatic first down.

Injuries

The Saints are hoping to get center Erik McCoy back after his seven-game absence with a groin injury. Veteran center Connor McGovern, who started the last five games, was waived Monday, an indication that either McCoy is on track to play after returning to practice last week, or that New Orleans has another center in mind to fill in until McCoy is ready.

Linebacker Pete Werner left Sunday’s game with a hand injury.

Key number

O — The number of turnovers the Saints have committed in their last three games.

The next step

New Orleans hosts Cleveland on Sunday in former Saints QB Jameis Winston’s return to the Superdome.

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