NEW ORLEANS — The memory of Steve Gleason’s blocked punt against Atlanta in 2006, and the emotional, spine-tingling, ear-splitting, drink-spilling pandemonium that accompanied it, has always been a special and personal one for current Saints linebacker Michael Mauti.

A decade later, with Gleason watching from the sideline, Mauti blocked a punt against — of all teams — Atlanta, then scooped it up and scored to help the recently reeling Saints rebound with a stunning 31-21 upset of the previously unbeaten Falcons on Thursday night.

Mark Ingram scored on a pair of short runs for the Saints, and Watson added a fourth-down touchdown catch.

The Falcons (5-1) were left to wonder why their punt protection broke down against New Orleans (2-4) when such plays seemed routine in their five previous games.

Drew Brees completed 30 of 39 for 312 yards, one TD and no interceptions for New Orleans.