The Saints defense faces a tall task this evening when they face a dangerous offense in the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons possess a balanced attack, led by QB Matt Ryan and RB Michael Turner. Stopping the multiple threats of Atlanta will be key for a Saints victory.
Pass Defense
The 2011 Saints pass defense has been absolutely pathetic. This year’s secondary, plagued by inconsistency and a love of giving up the big play, gives up an average of 256.1 yards per game (28th in the league). 2011 Tracy Porter looks unrecognizable from the 2009 version, when he was making timely interceptions and pass deflections. S Roman Harper, who is great against the run, is too slow to cover wide receivers and is a liability against the pass. S Malcolm Jenkins looks like he is having an off-year. The biggest issue for this unit has been the lack of turnovers (only 8 interceptions), which is a must-have in a Gregg Williams defense.
A consistent pass rush has also been a weak link in the Saints pass defense. Will Smith has been his usual self (6.5 sacks this year), but the rest of the defensive line hasn’t played up to potential. Rookie DE Cameron Jordan hasn’t registered an NFL sack, and the DT rotation of Sedrick Ellis, Shaun Rogers, and Aubrayo Franklin has posted a total of 0.5 sacks this season. Yikes.
The Falcons have been very good in passing the ball this season. QB Matt Ryan has had a sneaky good season (26 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 90.5 rating), and the receiving corps is very deep. WR Roddy White (85 catches, 1100 yards, 8 touchdowns) has benefited from another good year from TE Tony Gonzales and the emergence of rookie WR Julio Jones as a deep threat. Add a good running game, and Atlanta has a very well rounded passing attack.
The key for the Saints will be to get pressure on Ryan by whatever means necessary. In a hostile Monday night atmosphere, Gregg Williams will call up a variety of blitz schemes in order to make Ryan skittish in the pocket and affect his accuracy. Harper, who leads the Saints in sacks with 7.5, will be called upon to help provide pressure. Will Smith will also need to have a good game in order for the Saints to have a chance in slowing down a very dangerous Atlanta passing game.
Run Defense
If there is a bright spot in the New Orleans defense, it is in stopping the run. The Saints allow an average of 109.9 yards per game on the ground (12th in the NFL). This can be contributed to a variety of reasons – the Saints do a decent job of sealing off running lanes early in games, and the Saints potent offense disallows opposing teams to get any sort of running game going; teams resort to passing in order to get quick scores.
The Falcon running game, once considered the main component of the offense, has taken a back seat to the pass. The unit averages 110.6 yards per game, 19th in the NFL. RB Michael Turner is still effective, gaining over 1100 yards this season and amassing 8 touchdowns. His 4.1 yards per attempt keep the Atlanta running game going enough, and have helped the passing game develop into a top ten unit.
Saints defenders have had issues with larger running backs in the past (see: Turner and St. Louis Ram Stephen Jackson), and stopping the running game early seems to be the best medicine. Atlanta knows that establishing the run early on the road will take away the noise of the opposing crowd. Defenders will need make stopping Turner an early priority. Gap assignments along the defensive line will be especially important.
Matchup to Watch
Saints Fans vs. Atlanta offensive line. That’s right. Those of us going to the game tonight need to be especially loud and force a few delay of game penalties from the Atlanta offense. Most of us had today off from work, so fatigue shouldn’t be an issue. A Monday night, nationally televised atmosphere should make the BenzDome even more electric. Get loud and boisterous, New Orleans. Your team needs you.
