Saints vs. Falcons: A Regular Season Showdown

The New Orleans Saints, currently sitting at 6-10, are set to take on the Atlanta Falcons, who have a record of 7-9, in what is the final game of the regular season for both teams. Both squads have been on a winning streak, with the Saints securing four consecutive victories and the Falcons managing three straight wins. Their first encounter this season saw the Falcons emerge victorious with a decisive 24-10 win in New Orleans back in November.

The Rise of Tyler Shough

Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough has become the driving force behind the Saints’ recent offensive resurgence. Despite the team’s overall ranking of 23rd in total yardage, the offense has shown significant improvement since Shough took over as the starter in Week 9. However, the Saints’ offense is currently dealing with several key injuries, leaving them without most of their skill position players. Still, they managed to put together a running attack in their last game against the Tennessee Titans. The question now is whether they can replicate that performance to ease the pressure on Shough against the Falcons.

Atlanta’s Defensive Stats

The Falcons’ run defense has some notable statistics:

• 127.4 yards per game (26th)
• 4.6 per carry (26th)
• 11 touchdowns (4th)

Although the Falcons have only held four opponents to under 100 yards on the ground, they have shown some improvement against the run in recent weeks. They’ve allowed just two 100-yard rushers this season but have seen seven other players gain at least 60 rushing yards. One of those was a 244-yard performance by Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts.

Key Players on the Falcons’ Defense

Kaden Elliss leads the Falcons with 101 tackles, including 57 solo stops and 10 for loss. Divine Deablo is returning to the lineup, complementing Elliss and forming a strong linebacker duo. Along the edge, rookies James Pearce and Jalon Walker, along with veteran Leonard Floyd, are more focused on pass rushing than stopping the run, which makes Atlanta slightly vulnerable outside. However, Walker has shown growth against the run, and Arnold Ebikete has also proven to be solid in that area.

Brandon Dorlus, who leads the Falcons with 11 tackles for loss, hasn’t practiced all week due to a hamstring injury but is expected to play. He is part of an athletic defensive line that includes Ruke Orhorhoro, LaCale London, and former Saint David Onyemata. This group has combined for 28 tackles for negative yardage.

At safety, Jessie Bates and rookie Xavier Watts form a strong tandem. Both are excellent in coverage and can effectively step down into the box against the run.

The Saints’ Running Game Struggles

The Saints’ running game has struggled throughout the season, ranking near the bottom of the league in every rushing category. The absence of Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, and Devin Neal due to injuries has left the team with limited options. However, there were signs of life in their last game against the Titans.

Audric Estime gained 94 rushing yards, including a crucial 32-yard touchdown run. His performance showed some surprising power, especially given the poor interior blocking. Cesar Ruiz and Dillon Radunz are expected to return to the starting lineup, but their performance needs to improve significantly for any chance of success. On the outside, tackles Kelvin Banks and Taliese Fuaga have been strong, but the inside has performed poorly, often preventing off-tackle plays from developing.

Other potential contributors include Taysom Hill and Evan Hull. Hill may still provide a spark, while Hull is an inside runner used as a change of pace. The Saints may also rely on Tyler Shough’s athleticism to pick up key yardage as a runner. In their previous meeting, the Saints managed only 78 yards rushing and a dismal 2.8 per carry. With wide receivers Chris Olave, Devaughn Vele, and Mason Tipton out, the Saints must find a way to create a better running game if they are to secure their fifth consecutive win.