Falcons vs. Saints: 7 players to watch on Sunday
The Atlanta Falcons were flying high under interim head coach Raheem Morris prior to their sobering loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 11. That didn’t keep the team down, however, and the Falcons responded with a 43-6 blowout victory over the Raiders the following Sunday.
Here are seven players to watch during Atlanta’s second regular-season matchup against the Saints.
(AP Photo/John Bazemore)
The reigning NFC Defensive Player of the Week will look to replicate his breakout performance from last Sunday. With the Falcons somewhat thin along the defensive line due to Takk McKinley's release and Dante Fowler's recent injury, Tuioti-Mariner should play a bigger role down the stretch. He could potentially earn a starting spot next to DT Grady Jarrett in the middle with another big game against Atlanta's most-hated division rival.
RB Ito Smith
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Brian Hill got the start against the Raiders, but Ito Smith slightly outperformed him in a game where Atlanta was without Todd Gurley. Smith said he wasn't concerned about getting more touches based on last week's impressive outing. Falcons head coach Raheem Morris wouldn't commit to giving Smith a bigger role. But with Gurley again listed as questionable and potentially out on Sunday, it'd be surprising not to see Smith at least split the touches at running back.
LB Foye Oluokun
(AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Oluokun was left off the initial Pro Bowl ballot, but was added after a valiant effort by the Falcons' social media team. The third-year linebacker out of Yale recorded his fourth forced fumble on Sunday and continues to play well next to Deion Jones. He can quickly diagnose run plays, get pressure off the edge and finish tackles with consistency. Expect the Falcons LB to have a big game against Taysom Hill and the Saints in Week 13.
QB Taysom Hill
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The Saints surprised everyone when they chose to roll with QB Taysom Hill over the more accomplished Jameis Winston against the Falcons in Week 11. Hill played pretty well, but hasn't been overly impressive throwing the ball. He's yet to throw a touchdown, but is completing over 70 percent of his passes, which opens things up enough for his power-running style. Atlanta was fooled two weeks ago, however, I expect the defense to play a more disciplined brand of football this go around.
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Ridley is having a stellar season and the Saints are without starting CB Janoris Jenkins. We don't know if Falcons WR Julio Jones will play, but assuming he does, Ridley could have a monster day. The third-year wideout is averaging 14.8 yards per reception this season, and finished with five catches for 90 yards against the Saints in Week 11. If Atlanta gets out of its own way and just plays competent offensive football, Ridley could get lose for some big plays.
(AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Hendrickson has 9.5 sacks this season after coming out of nowhere to steal the spot intended for Saints first-round pick, Marcus Davenport. Hendrickson harassed the Falcons' offensive line in Week 11, finishing with two of New Orleans' eight sacks in the game. Atlanta's offensive line must be better prepared for a physical battle up front, particularly against Hendrickson and Cameron Jordan.
RT Kaleb McGary
(AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
McGary didn't play his best game in Week 11, but the entire offensive line had a rough day going up against the Saints' buzz saw of a front seven. Defensive end Cameron Jordan was ruthless, sacking Matt Ryan three times and making the veteran QB very uncomfortable. One thing about McGary that you can rely on, though, is that he's not afraid to battle, even if he loses to a superior athlete like Jordan. If he can at least put up a good fight along the edge and give Ryan some time, it would go a long way in helping Atlanta secure a much-needed victory.
