Sixteen Players to Watch: Falcons vs. Saints
In the first season-opener at home since 2009, the Falcons take on one of their biggest rivals in the New Orleans Saints. Watch out for these key players to make an impact on both teams.
A key to a successful offense is protecting the quarterback, and that puts rookie T Jake Matthews back in the spotilght. In his first game of the regular season, Matthews will continue his role in the left tackle position protecting the blindside of QB Matt Ryan against tough pass-rushers in the likes of Saints' DE Cameron Jordan.
Saints' TE Jimmy Graham is one of several weapons the Saints' offense possesses and covering him will be one of the toughest challenges the Falcons' defense will face heading into the season-opener.
S William Moore will have his hands full covering Saints' TE Jimmy Graham, a receiver known for his speed and ability to make big plays down the field. Moore's ability to shut down Graham will highly impact the effectiveness of the Saints' offense.
Saints' WR Brandin Cooks is one of the new additions to an already stellar New Orleans' offense. Cooks made several impressive catches in the preseason including scoring his first touchdown against the St. Louis Rams in the first preseason game.
The Falcons' offense will have all of its weapons back just in time for the season-opener. RB Steven Jackson leads the Falcons' running game and Sunday marks Jackson's first game action since last season.
Keeping Saints' DE Cameron Jordan away from QB Matt Ryan will be a full-time job for the Falcons' offensive line. Jordan led the Saints in sacks last season and logged two during the preseason.
One of QB Matt Ryan's favorite targets is finallly back in action. With a 52-yard touchdown in the third preseason game against the Tennessee Titans, WR Julio Jones got a taste of what his return means for the offense.
Saints' LB Curtis Lofton has propelled the team's defense leading the team last year in tackles and consistently stopping plays in their tracks.
CB Desmond Trufant's coverage of Saints' wide receivers is crucial in preventing the long plays the team is known for.
S Jairus Byrd is one of several Saints' players that will be covering Falcons' receivers. Expect battles for the ball down the field and Byrd in the mix.
DE Tyson Jackson's ability to pressure the quarterback and collapse on the run are both factors that can stop the Saints' offense during Sunday's game.
Saints' S Kenny Vaccaro is another member of the defense that will work to control the Falcons' offense downfield.
Pressuring Saints' QB Drew Brees is not an easy task, but LB Paul Worrilow has shown his ability to fight through the line and stop plays.
The Saints' offense is equipped with an explosive running back in Mark Ingram. Ingram has shown his speed and ability to break tackles and keeping him in check will be one challenge the Falcons' defense faces this week.
In QB Matt Ryan's final preseason game against the Tennessee Titans, Ryan showed his ability to control the tempo and develop a rhythm on offense. With RB Steven Jackson healthy and depth at receiver, Ryan has a full arsenal to work with against the Saints.
The Saints' offense is led by an elite quarterback in Drew Brees. The Saints' offense has plenty of weapons and the Falcons' defense's ability to get Brees off the field will be a definite deciding factor in this week's game.
