The Falcons and Saints are one of the NFL’s most hate-filled rivalries. It doesn’t have the lore of the Packers and Bears or Steelers and Ravens, but to these two fan bases, it’s nothing but hate.
Unfortunately, there’s not much of that going around Flowery Branch. Falcons players and coaches know how much this game means, not only for the division and playoff purposes but also for the fans and city. Yet, they’re taking a very cavalier, respectful attitude.
I don’t want to see the whole Tom Brady-praising-your-opponent speech from Raheem Morris or Falcons players. I want hate-fueled dialogue, and it seems the only one who has that killer instinct is a guy who has never played in a Falcons-Saints game — Justin Simmons.
The veteran signed with Atlanta this offseason in free agency, and he’s already made his impact known. According to PFF, Simmons has only allowed 16 yards in coverage this season, forcing an incompletion and logging an interception. Quarterbacks are averaging a 6.3 passer rating when targeting him.
He and Jessie Bates III have formed the best safety tandem in the NFL, and the new Falcons star had an emphatic statement about the Saints game on Sunday, “We can’t leave that stadium without a win.”
Justin Simmons on the Saints game: “We can’t leave that stadium without a win.” #Falcons
— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) September 26, 2024
A lot of times, it feels like Falcons and Saints fans hate each other more than the players. Granted, there can be mutual respect between these guys, but let’s not pretend there isn’t hatred between players at the collegiate level. It is diluted in the NFL; however, Atlanta and New Orleans is one of the few rivalries in the league that still despise each other. I need more hate from Falcons personnel.
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Photographer: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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