Falcons defensive coordinator stretchered off field after pregame collision

A scary scene unfolded in New Orleans prior to the Saints game against the Atlanta Falcons when Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees had to be stretchered off the field. 

Pees was involved in a collision with a Saints player practicing punt returns and needed medical assistance,

The Falcons said in a statement that Peas was alert and responsive when taken off the field and was being transported to a New Orleans hospital for treatment, 

Peas, 73, is the oldest defensive coordinator in the NFL this season. He has been with the Falcons since the start of the 2021 season. 

Frank Bush is serving as the team's interim defensive play caller on Sunday. 

It is a huge game in the NFC South as both teams, despite their records (5-8 for Atlanta, 4-9 for New Orleans) still have a chance due to the struggles of every other team in the division. 

It did not get off to a good start for the Falcons, though, who allowed the Saints to score on their first two possessions of the game to take a 14-0 lead.