Atlanta Falcons vs. Saints: Final Thoughts
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The Atlanta Falcons have an opportunity to match last season’s win tally, and we are only a third of the way through the season. What we have seen from Dan Quinn’s team so far this season has been nothing short of incredible. But these are the games we live for, the division rivals.
New Orleans may not have anything left to play for, but putting a dent in Atlanta’s hot start adds more than enough motivation to win. Expect the best performance of the season from the Saints. It’s going to be a tough game, and here are my final thoughts.
Devonta Freeman can be the star of the game
As you’ve heard a million times this week, the Falcons are No. 6 in rushing offense and the Saints are No. 31 against the run. But that is the key to this game. Devonta Freeman has been red hot the past three games, and it makes perfect sense to feed him the football as often as possible in the Superdome.
Being able to run successfully is a bonus for so many reasons. First, it wears down the defense by keeping them on the field and keeping Drew Brees off it. It also silences the crowd, which I will come onto in a moment.
Be cautious with Julio
Julio Jones is banged up, as is fellow wide receiver Leonard Hankerson. Running the football takes the pressure off of these guys, and avoids overworking Jones’ hamstring.
But no matter how this game pans out, it’s important to be cautious. Hamstring injuries have a way of sticking around if you don’t let them heal properly. There’s no denying this is a huge game and the Falcons are desperate to win, but I would rather lose without Julio than win with him getting a longer term injury.
Dan Quinn and his medical staff know what they are doing, and they know the risk-reward situation of playing their star.
Silence the Superdome
Connect on third downs; keep the chains moving; run the football. Following those steps is the quickest way to silence the Superdome. When they get fired up, it can be one of the most hostile environments in football, especially when Atlanta are in town.
But by frustrating the crowd, dominating time of possession and wearing down the defense, the Falcons can keep them quiet and take control. So many teams have lost there over the years when the Saints are able to build some momentum and the crowd cranks it up a gear. Keep them quiet.
Just run the ball, baby.