I had a chance to catch up with Rob Kelley of Dirty Bird South, the reputed top notch Atlanta Falcon Blog on the Bloguin Network, and he was kind enough to take the time to give me his take on a few topics leading up to the game tomorrow night. Many thanks to Rob, and please go check out HIS SITE if you’re ever curious about our bitter rival’s perspective.
Saints Nation: As much as I hate to say it, the Falcons look a lot like the Saints last year in that they’ve won games at the end they had no business winning. Do you agree they look like a team of destiny?
Dirty Bird South: At times, yes, although I’d much rather see a few more kneel downs at the end of games. Winning ugly is all part of the NFL, but you have to worry that it could end at any time. Going into the playoffs, I’d like to see a statement game at home on Monday night. But if they are truly destined to win, then I guess it doesn’t really matter to me how they do so – as long as they continue to find ways.
SN: I’ve heard “Matt Ryan is better than Drew Brees” twice now. Do you subscribe to this theory?
DBS: While I certainly love what Matt Ryan does on and off the field, no, I do not feel that he is better than Drew Brees. I feel that way for a few reasons. First, this is just his third season. He will still become more polished as his career progresses. Second, he does not put up the type of monster numbers that Brees is capable of putting up on a game to game basis. That is generally how people view the best quarterbacks – how many 300 yard games and how many touchdowns. Ryan is efficient, and does what is necessary in this offense. Now, Brees has not been himself at times this season, but he is still an elite NFL QB. Ryan still needs to improve and show that he can do this for many years in order to be in the same class as Brees and some of the best. I think he will get there, but it is too early to say he is better than Brees now. That’s not fair to either of them.
SN: What do you make of all this Roddy White trash talk on the Saints and their fans?
DBS: White likes to do a lot of talking, and as long as he continues to back it up on the field, I have no problem. I do, however, have a problem when his jawing on the field gets him flagged for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. These games mean too much to be flagged for doing something stupid. Many pro athletes talk more than they should, but White has become more vocal as he becomes more of a household name at the wide receiver position. In my mind, he is in the top 3 in the game today. Sure, I would like to see him do all of his talking on the field, but if he continues to back it up with big games and wins, then all is well in Dirty Bird land.
SN: What is the Falcons’ biggest weakness? What do the Saints have to exploit to beat them?
DBS: Atlanta – like all teams, especially this season – is vulnerable at times in different spots. Their secondary is still a work in progress at times, and I am a little concerned that they have struggled recently against the run. That had been their strong point on defense. The Saints need to throw the ball early and often – which is music to Brees’ ears – to be able to open it up for the rest of their offense. Normally, you need to run the ball to establish the pass. For New Orleans against the Falcons, I feel it is much the opposite.
SN: Score prediction?
DBS: It’s tough to guess the outcome for any Falcons’ games. Judging by my predictions of all games recently, I don’t seem to do all that well calling any teams’ final scores! If I had to pick, I see this game much like the first one, where it will most likely come down to the wire. As of this minute, I would call for a 24-20 victory for Atlanta. But I could change my mind 10 times the nest 24 hours!
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