The Atlanta Falcons could match their win total from last season with a victory against the New Orleans Saints on Thursday.
Under first-year head coach Dan Quinn, the Falcons' offense has reached new heights. They're scoring 32.4 points per game, the third-highest total in the NFL.
The Saints' glory days, meanwhile, appear to be behind them. Aside from its lone victory, orchestrated by quarterback Drew Brees, New Orleans seems resigned to the NFC South basement.
Trufant, Alford look to minimize Saints' passing game
The Falcons' defense used to be an NFL laughingstock, but Quinn and defensive coordinator Richard Smith have restored the unit to respectability this season.
Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant is a legitimate star and he'll be tasked with shutting down the Saints' primary receiver, Brandin Cooks. Cooks and his top-notch breakaway pace will meet Trufant's excellent recovery speed in the game's most important clash. Drew Brees has had difficulty establishing a rhythm all season - largely due to his offensive line's struggles - and taking away his safety valve is paramount for the Falcons.
Going away from Trufant would be the obvious solution, but his backfield partner is playing the best football of his career. Robert Alford recorded two interceptions Sunday, the latter going for a 59-yard game-winning touchdown. It's likely Alford will be matched up against Willie Snead, the Saints' receiving yards leader, but targeting the Falcons' lesser corner could be a recipe for disaster if Alford is still in top form.
In years past, the Falcons' pass rush ranked among the league's most lethargic units, but 2015 first-round pick Vic Beasley breathed life into the front seven. Beasley, a hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker, will be tasked with forcing the 36-year-old outside of the pocket. With 11 tackles and two sacks thus far, Beasley will likely take advantage of Saints left tackle Andrus Peat, a fellow 2015 first-rounder who's struggled immensely in his first pro season.
The Saints' offense is no longer the terrifying force it was a few years ago, nor is the Falcons' defense prone to complete capitulation. In a clash of NFC South rivals, Atlanta's young core will need to excel if they are to remain undefeated.
Player to Watch
Hau'oli Kikaha, LB, Saints
Kikaha, selected in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft, has emerged as the team's best defensive player through five games. The Washington product recorded 27 tackles, three sacks, and two forced fumbles, and is making up for an otherwise dormant pass rush. If the Saints weren't in the middle of such a slide, Kikaha would be gaining more ground in the Defensive Rookie of the Year race. Kikaha will be tasked with getting a number of quarterback hits on Matt Ryan. Don't be surprised if he becomes a household name in the near future.
Did you know?
- Atlanta holds a 48-43 head-to-head advantage historically.
- The Falcons won both of their contests against the Saints last year, emerging victorious 30-14 on December 21. Ryan threw for 322 yards and a touchdown in the winning effort.
- Devonta Freeman's eight touchdowns lead the NFL, two more than the nearest competitor. Freeman and Tevin Coleman were considered co-favorites to win the starting job, but the second-year pro is quickly becoming a superstar.
