Well this is as big as it gets in terms of NFL regular season games. Depending on how things go with the Browns at Panthers game, the outcome of this game in New Orleans could either clinch the NFC South for the Saints or eliminate them from any possibility of the playoffs. This is not necessarily a playoff clinching win or a elimination loss, though. I know that’s redundant based on the second sentence but I want to highlight that a lot depends on whether the Panthers win or not. One thing is clear, though, and that’s that this is a must win game. If for no other reason than we as Saints fans cannot accept a season sweep at the hand of the filthy Falcons. Years ago before the Saints ever made the playoffs and any shot at the postseason was never realistically possible, the measure of a successful season was based solely on how the Saints did in their two games against an equally pathetic Falcons team. A lot has changed since then but there’s still a residual demand for success against the biggest rival and that still carries weight in the overall evaluation of the season. A season sweep is satisfactory and a split is the bare minimum. Getting swept would be a colossal failure, especially when you consider just how good the Falcons have been at blowing games this year. It’s also worth noting that the Saints have really closed the gap in the historical head to head figures but after the loss in week one they trail the Falcons 48-43 overall in total games. Winning here would set the Saints up to possibly tie the Falcons head to head in just two more seasons with sweeps. Yes, I’m already thinking ahead here. Here’s five things I’ll be looking for:
1. Can the Saints defense duplicate last week’s performance against a quarterback not named Jay Cutler?
Last week was awesome. But three interceptions and seven sacks sounds unbelievably realistic in this one. Let’s be honest, the Saints took advantage of a wounded animal that was going through the motions and kicked the Bears while they were down. I’d love to believe the lineup shuffle that gave Jamarca Sanford, Terrence Frederick and Ramon Humber a lot more playing time has transformed this defense, but this will be a much more difficult test. The Falcons may have the worst defense in the NFL but their offense is dangerous. You’ll remember Matt Ryan torched the Saints in week 1 for the most passing yards of his career (448) on their way to amassing 568 yards of total offense. That was with Keenan Lewis at a healthier disposition and Jairus Byrd in the backfield. The Saints backfield should be on high alert and how Frederick holds up against the likes of Julio Jones (assuming he plays), Roddy White and Harry Douglas remains to be seen. A Brandon Marshall-less offense with a quarterback so bad the team believes Jimmy Clausen might be a better option this is not. So can we see another pleasant surprise for this unit or is it back to being gashed at will?
2. Can the crowd noise make an impact?
The home crowd has been a non factor this year. We like to brag about how the Saints fans are the best in the world but frankly the Dome hasn’t been an intimidating place to play at all this year. Now most of that is due to poor play of the Saints. They are riding a 4 game home losing streak which included a 41-10 blowout loss to lowly Carolina most recently. It’s hard to cheer for that, I get it. But the playoffs are at stake, this is possibly for the division title, and for all that is holy THIS IS ATLANTA. I don’t even care about the records, what happened in the past, or the stakes. Playing the Falcons is enough motivation. So if you’re going to the game, put aside your anger and frustration for 3 hours and blindly support the team. Stay positive no matter how bad it gets. Believe until the end we will find a way to win. Let’s make this game feel like the Dome felt in 2009. Or even 2013. Fans can make a serious impact on this game. I will be in the Dome and I plan on doing my part. If you’re reading this and you plan on going to, join me in making Matt Ryan’s ears bleed. It’s time to prove we really are the kind of fans we think we are because for the last two years Seattle has kind of shown us up.
3. Can the Saints be explosive offensively without giving away the football?
The Falcons have the worst defense in football. Their best pass rusher is the corpse of Osi Umenyiora. While the Falcons have some run stopping ability, their secondary is a disaster area. Brees should be able to pick them apart. The Saints will put up yards and points. But based on how good the Falcons offense is and how bad the Saints defense is, too, this game comes down to being aggressive without taking risks. I’m not even sure if that is possible. The Saints have to find a way to protect the football while still exposing the shortcomings of the Falcons defense. The difference in that week 1 game was the Saints had 2 turnovers and the Falcons had 1. Another item of concern here is whether or not Terron Armstead plays. If Bryce Harris is the starter at left tackle I immediately become more concerns in the offense’s ability to dominate.
4. Scoreboard watching
I’m not going to lie, even inside the stadium I’ll be keeping a very close eye on Cleveland at Carolina. The Saints can win the division and clinch a playoff berth if they win and the Browns beat the Panthers. Then week 17 wouldn’t even matter. That would be an incredible thing to celebrate in the Superdome. I’m not expecting Carolina to lose, but it’s not like they’re good, so anything can happen. I have this dream that the Saints will win and Cleveland will get a game winning field goal courtesy of Garrett Hartley (in his first game back!) moments later to send the Saints to the playoffs.
5. Can the Falcons O-Line duplicate week 1?
When the two teams squared off in week one I fully expected the Saints’ defensive line to dominate. The Falcons already had some patch work done with Sam Baker out and the Saints’ defensive line was supposed to be their best asset this year. That was before we realized the Saints’ d-line actually wasn’t that good and Galette, Jordan and Hicks all put together disappointing seasons. The Falcons’ o-line manhandled the Saints that day, which was a shock. But they’ve shuffled around even more since then and they’re starting a couple of undrafted guys very short on experience. The Saints will need to get interior pressure. Akiem Hicks has been missing practice with an ankle issue so he may not even play. That means guys like John Jenkins, Brandon Deaderick and Tyrunn Walker are going to need to step up and make plays. Matt Ryan’s ability to move around in the pocket and step up into a clean path was a major problem the last time these teams played. The interior line has to get more push. And of course it would be nice if Jordan and Galette played like it was 2013 again.
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