3 Saints off-season additions the Falcons must slow down

3. Tyrann Mathieu

The New Orleans Saints lost a huge part of their secondary this preseason by trading C.J. Gardner-Johnson, however, the team added safety Tyrann Mathieu this off-season. Tyrann is a dangerous player in the fact he is always hunting for the football. Atlanta has to be sure they make the right decisions throwing the ball high for Pitts or London to go up and get when pushing the ball deep.

Mathieu deserves a level of respect from Atlanta as a potential playmaker but he can be beaten. He isn’t the elite player he has been in seasons past. The move to New Orleans and his contract speaks to the fact he isn’t the player he once was.

While it was still a great addition it is one that Atlanta should respect but not fear. Mathieu is at his best when he is able to roam freely and attack the football. Atlanta has the pieces to make this difficult for Tyrann and the New Orleans secondary.  Mariota has to be aware he is lurking, however, making sure if he misses a throw it is high and not a pass that gives Mathieu the chance to do what he does best.