The Falcons and Saints will be without key pieces this weekend.
Atlanta will be shorthanded on the offensive line. Drew Dalman was placed on the IR earlier in the week, with Kaleb McGary still nursing a knee injury. Meanwhile, on Friday, New Orleans ruled out Demario Davis and Cesar Ruiz, along with Erik McCoy earlier in the week.
Saints insider John Hendrix projected a favorable matchup for the Falcons:
Would project the Saints OL to look like this on Sunday: Taliese Fuaga, Lucas Patrick, Shane Lemieux, Landon Young and Trevor Penning
— John Hendrix (@JohnJHendrix) September 27, 2024
The Falcons defensive front has been disappointing in a couple of facets. First, they still haven’t been able to apply any kind of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Secondly, even though the Falcons’ pass defense is encouraging, the run defense leaves a lot to be desired.
Against a hobbled Saints offensive line, you’d think this would be the perfect opportunity for this Falcons defensive front to impose their will. Without Cesar Ruiz and Erik McCoy, Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata should be able to feast on New Orleans’ interior offensive line.
The Falcons rank last or second-to-last in every major pass rushing statistic, including sacks and pressures. However, the Saints offense is predicated on play action passing built off running the football. The first step will be to stop Klint Kubiak’s run game.
Atlanta is giving up over 150 yards on the ground per game, which ranks 28th in the league. Granted, they’re only giving up 4.1 yards per attempt, ranking 9th in the league. The Falcons will have to be up for it this weekend. The Saints are going to run the ball early and often. If Jimmy Lake can force Kubiak and Derek Carr into third and longs, you have to like your chances against this makeshift offensive line.
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