(It's more than just a football game tonight. The game has world wide appeal as a re-birth for the city of New Orleans. I wanted to give Rommell-19, our Saints Commissioner the opportunity to preview the game. If you're watching at home, stop back to blog tonight for Monday Night Football on FanIQ.)

Atlanta Falcons (2-0) at New Orleans Saints (2-0)

Tonight is the first home game for the New Orleans Saints since Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Big Easy, leaving the Superdome unusable for the entire 2005 season. This will be an emotional homecoming for the beleaguered city as the Saints face Michael Vick and the Atlanta Falcons in a battle for first place in the NFC South. 

Falcons Offense / Special Teams 

The Falcons number one ranked rushing offense has amassed 558 yards in just two games behind Warrick Dunn, Michael Vick and rookie Jerious Norwood.  Atlanta should run the ball at the Saints smaller defensive line and open up the passing lanes for Alge Crumpler.  Watch for the play action fakes when the Saints are forced to stack the box to prevent the run.  The Falcon’s addressed their kicking issues by signing 46 year old Morten Andersen last week. 

Falcons Defense 

Atlanta needs to stop Deuce McAllister and the dynamic Reggie Bush and force Drew Brees out of the pocket so he cannot get comfortable in the passing attack.   The Atlanta secondary, anchored by CB DeAngelo Hall and SS Lawyer Milloy, will need to shut down Joe Horn and take away the short and intermediate routes from Bush and rookie Marques Colston.   Rod Coleman and Patrick Kerney need to keep pressure on Brees while LB Keith Brooking, tackle Grady Jackson and the third ranked rushing defense contain the Saints’ running game.

Saints Offense / Special Teams 

Drew Brees needs to take advantage of Joe Horn and Reggie Bush to open up the running game.  Hit Horn on downfield routes; take advantage of Bush’s speed out of the backfield and on short routes to avoid the blitz.  Toss in some Marques Colston and use Deuce McAllister to pound the ball through the gaps.  The Saints need to control the clock and keep Atlanta’s offense off the field.  The Saints biggest advantage may come from the energy in the sold out Superdome.

Saints Defense 

The Saints defense will be busy trying to contain the Falcon’s explosive running game.  The Saints boast the sixth ranked rushing defense but neither Cleveland nor Green Bay has Atlanta’s running potential.  Will Smith and Charles Grant need to attack Michael Vick in the box while LB’s Scott Fujita and Scott Shanle close the gaps to control the running game.  Easier said than done.  The Saints cannot allow Vick’s favorite target, Alge Crumpler, to control the middle of the field, especially in the red zone.  Utilizing the blitz may be the only way the Saints can hold the surging Falcon offense. 

Prediction

The Saints will ride the emotional wave of their first game in the Superdome since the 2004 season and the sold out crowd will make it difficult for the Falcons when they have the ball.  If the Falcons can jump out to an early lead and take the crowd out of the game they can control the game.  I think the energy will be too much for the visiting Falcons to overome.

Falcons-21  Saints-23

FanIQ Says... (756)

MNF Saints @ Falcons QB O/U 9/25
(Q1 of 14) D. Brees will throw for 250.5 yards 50% Over Correct-> 50% Under	Asked by: kappafla211
Closed 9/25/06