Saints Falcons Preview

I have been looking forward to the Saints Falcons game like no other this season. The fact we're riding into this Divisional match up undefeated at 6 and 0 with the potential to steal a decisive march on the Division crown has got me all pumped up and unable to work.

So here are my Top 5 reasons why the Saints will whip those Falcon tooshies:

1 - Drew Brees Vs Matt Ryan - There's only one winner in my book.  Brees is the best Quarterback in the league right now and there is no one I would rather have under centre for this match up.

He commands and directs the offence like few others and is truly the Saints on field General.  As long as he gets protection then Brees should be able to pick apart the 27th ranked Falcons Defence against the pass.

  Atten-hut, General Brees is on the field

2 - Drew Brees will get better protection - The Dolphins blew a Jonathan Stinchcomb sized hole in the offensive line and were able to pressure Brees into throwing 3 interceptions.  They exposed a potential weakness in an otherwise flawless Saints O line campaign to date which the rest of the league will be watching with interest.  Look for Stinchcomb to get extra support against John Abraham (if he plays as his fitness is questionable at time of going to post) and Co.  If the front 5 play their part they will provide the bedrock for a Saints win.

Jermon Bushrod, Carl Nicks, Jonathan Goodwin, Jahri Evans, Jon Stinchcomb

3 - The Saints Defence will force turnovers - The Saints D have already picked off 13 passes and forced 5 fumbles so far this season.  This ability to get the ball back in Brees' hands is a key component of the team's success.  Watch out for Eagle Eyes Darren Sharper to continue his already great season by making a decisive play against a quality but inexperienced Quarterback in Matt Ryan.

4 - The Saints Defence will manage Tony Gonzalez and Michael Turner - With Jerious Norwood questionable through injury the Falcons will be heavily reliant on the power running of Turner.  If the Saints can restrict him to short yardage Ryan will be forced to the air and Gonzalez in particular.  This will be a key match up and the Saints Linebacker crew need to be on top form against the league's best Tight End.  If they win this battle the Saints will be well on the road to a home win.

5 - The Super Dome Crowd will be fervent - Whilst I don't normally factor home field advantage as a major game changer for pro footballers I think the noise and intensity will play a part against our division foes. The crowd have the potential to cause Falcon Offensive and Defensive linemen to be called off side especially on big 3rd downs when the volume of the crowd will be peaking.

 Saints fans are the 12th man

Monday Night Football Summary

The Saints are going to edge this but it's going to be tight.  If we can stop Michael Turner early and force the Falcons to the air whilst playing catch up I think we've got a great chance.  Brees needs better protection than last week but hopefully that was a temporary blip in an otherwise fine O line season. If we maintain a healthy balance between the run and pass on offence then look for a Famous New Orleans Saints win by 14 come the closing bell.