A much needed win for the Atlanta Falcons

As much as we would like to see the Atlanta Falcons get a high draft pick, getting wins are what is most important. And to get a high draft pick, that requires losing. As a fan, I cannot cheer for us to lose.

The now (2-7) Atlanta Falcons traveled to the now (7-2) New Orleans Saints and honestly, you could assume that their records were reversed. The Falcons were heavy underdogs going into this game but played like the top dogs from the get-go.

The Falcons have probably the worst defense in the NFL. The Saints have one of the best offenses. Neither of those statements has any secrecy. However, no one expected this game to be a defensive battle.

The Falcons boasted a 24th ranked overall defense. Compare that to high octane and difficult to stop offense in New Orleans, you can’t help but wonder how they only put up 9 points.

However, a rivalry of this magnitude is bound to bring out the best in any team.

Leading up to the matchup, Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn relinquished defensive play-calling duties to Jeff Ulbrich. Ulbrich is the Falcons linebackers coach. Could this move hint at the projected mass change that will take place in the offseason?

Prior to this game, the Atlanta Falcons defense only accumulated 7 sacks all season. Drew Brees was sacked 6 times and held Brees to a season-low total of 287 yards. This is also the first game New Orleans failed to score a touchdown with Drew Brees starting since week 15 of 2018.

From the very first drive, the newly rejuvenated Falcon defense was off to a hot start. Holding New Orleans to only a field goal and only allowing 2 more field goals the remainder of the game.

This was the first game back for Alvin Kamara from a near three-week absence. With how horrible our rush defense has been, Kamara was set to be a key focal point on if we could come out with a win or not. For the most part, Kamara was held in check. Mustering up only 24 yards on the ground and 50 in the air.

If the Falcons can carry over this defensive effort into the second half of the season, could the Falcons be sitting at 9-7 or 8-8 and 2nd in the division?

On the surface, this is a 2-7 team that is at the bottom of the league, but realistically, this team can compete with every opponent left on their schedule, outside of San Francisco. Atlanta still has to play Tampa twice, Carolina twice, New Orleans again on thanksgiving night in Atlanta and a lowly Jacksonville team. Could Atlanta be embarking in a playoff hunt? maybe not, but one can hope.