Scouting Falcons vs Saints matchup with Who Dat Dish

Atlanta Falcons are set to take on division rivals New Orleans Saints. We spoke to our friends at Who Dat Dish to get their thoughts and insight before kickoff.

The Atlanta Falcons are nearing “must win” status. If the Falcons lose to their division rival New Orleans Saints on Thursday evening, Atlanta’s playoff hopes could fade away. Prior to Thursday’s kickoff, we spoke with our friends at FanSided’s Who Dat Dish regarding their thoughts on this Saints against Falcons Week 14 matchup. Here’s what they had to say:

"Blogging Dirty (BD): The New Orleans have turned a complete 180 from last season. They are now one of the most dominant teams in the NFC and NFL as a whole. What do you attribute most to this turnaround?"

"Who Dat Dish (WDD): It’s two things, the defense and the run game. Obviously Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara are having an amazing season as the team’s starting running backs. And on defense, coordinator Dennis Allen is finally starting to get some pieces in his puzzle. The secondary is much improved with rookie Marshon Lattimore and second-year Saint Ken Crawley. The youth movement is paying off big for the Saints."

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"BD: Which New Orleans Saints player or players should Atlanta Falcons fans be most concerned about, outside of Saints quarterback Drew Brees?"

"WDD: Without a doubt it’s rookie running back Alvin Kamara. He’s one of the stars of the future in the NFL and every game is a highlight reel. He’s up for his sixth Rookie of the Week award and just seems to be getting better. He can do it all."

"BD: Which New Orleans Saints starters will miss Thursday night’s matchup against the Falcons, if any at all?"

"WDD: The only player to be ruled out is left guard Andrus Peat and that hurts. There are quite a few questionables including left tackle Terron Armstead and Marshon Lattimore. But if Peat is out, he’s also Armstead’s backup. So the Saints may have trouble on the offensive line."

"BD: Which Atlanta Falcons player concerns you most and why?"

"WDD: Definitely Julio Jones. I lived in Foley, Alabama when he was in high school there so I’ve been watching him for a long time. He’s one of the most complete receivers in NFL history. Even though our Marshon Lattimore is up for Defensive Rookie of the Year, he’s still a rookie. And he hasn’t faced a monster like Julio. So that will be the matchup to watch."

"BD: What is your final score prediction for Thursday night’s matchup between division rivals New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons?"

"WDD: I’m thinking this will be a tight one and maybe come down to a final drive for one team. But I’m sticking with the Black and Gold and saying Saints 27 Falcons 24"

Thursday night’s matchup is going to be a good one. If Atlanta can pull off the win against a very tough Saints team, they could begin a much needed run into the playoffs.

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Thanks to our friends at Who Dat Dish for their time and input.