Saints Set to Face Rival Falcons

The Saints will return from a much needed bye week well rested, but still banged up. The Saints placed Charles Grant on IR after returning from London and his roster spot has been filled by Hollis Thomas. Grant has been somewhat of disappointment since signing his hefty contract but his absence will nonetheless be missed. He was also tied for the team lead with 3 sacks. Charles Grant is one of three Saints players that are facing suspensions from the league for using a banned substance. Coach Payton remains optimistic that the suspensions will be overturned and he will have two of the three players for the remainder of the season. Reggie Bush is still is still a week or two away from returning to action after having surgery to repair a meniscus tear.

A couple of key players will miss this important divisional match-up but other important members should be returning at close to full strength. Marques Colston should be 100 percent now, and Sean Payton has stated that he plans to get Colston heavily involved in week 10’s game against the Falcons. The bye week also came at an opportune time for Jeremy Shockey as he was noticeably hobbled by a lingering groin injury the past few games. Shockey is still not at full speed but is well rested and ready to contribute in Sunday’s game.

The Falcons present many match-up problems for the Saints as rookie QB Matt Ryan has breathed new life into receivers Roddy White and Michael Jenkins. Roddy White has been terrorizing cornerbacks this year amassing 733 receiving yards in 8 games. White and Jenkins have been facing single coverage on many occasions as teams stack the box trying to stop Michael Turner. Turner ranks third in the NFL with 794 yards rushing and is a threat to go the distance on every play. The Saints will have to win this game the way they’ve won many games the past few seasons, by outscoring their opponents.

The Falcons rank in the middle of the pack on defense and Drew Brees should have success putting up points against the Falcons defense. In Brees’ last meeting against the Falcons he passed for 328 yards and 3 scores, leading the Saints to a 34-14 victory. Brees will have to step up his game because these are not the Falcons of last year. This divisional game has playoff implications and will no doubt have a post-season like atmosphere. I give the advantage in this game to the Saints who are coming off a bye week and should be fired up for this game. Sean Payton is a master play caller and having 2 weeks to prepare for this game should help lead his team a victory.  

Comments? Email me at jefflalonde@sportstalkbuzz.com

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