DATS STILL POSSIBLE?!?!?

Out of all the possible scenarios that would get the Saints (6-8) into the post season, there is one that is highly likely; SAINTS and Browns Win and Saints are in.  The rest is just a mix and a mingle but very likely as WWL Radio has it so eloquently laid out. Just as always, the Saints control their own destiny. It won’t be easy this Sunday as they face the Falcons (5-9) in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Shockingly, both teams haven’t played up to their talent this season and should feel lucky to even be battling for a division title and a playoff berth. Problems on defense and inconsistent play on offense is the reason that the Saints and the Falcons are sitting worse than mediocre. The previous contest between the two teams ended with the Saints on the losing end. That key first matchup this season was an overtime heartbreaking loss in Atlanta that set the tone for most of the season. Although the Falcons started the season looking much more like a championship caliber team, they too find themselves in much of the same jammer that the Saints are in.  

But Rob Ryan will have the last word…… AND HE NOW HAS THE FLOOR.

Much has been said about this newly revamped Saints secondary packed with what I like to term gnats. A gnat is a defensive player most likely in the secondary but can play other defensive positions. They are always around the ball or they are always a factor in the play bugging the heck out of a receiver or opposing quarterback. Rob Ryan has unleashed a few of them. They are Pierre Warren, Marcus Ball, Kasim Edebali, Terrance Fredericks and Jamarca Sanford. Kenny Vaccaro has already made his debut a season ago. With the exception of #killem kenny, the rest of them will be faced with the biggest test of the start to their NFL careers. If that makes any sense to some of you. 

When Matt Ryan and the Falcons starring Julio Jones enter the Dome on Sunday, those gnats will most likely be ready to swarm around a hip-injured Jones or a Roddy White and whoever else thinks they will run, carry or catch anything. Trust me on this one. Before I get too deep with these guys and before my offense gets jealous, let’s get to the keys to the game.

 

Keys to the Game:

 OFFENSE: protection, perfection and detection

Beef up Protection- Drew Brees has been sacked five times in the last three weeks. If the Saints plan to make a run for the postseason, protection has got to be on the top of their Christmas list. The Falcons will be looking to lay career ending hits on Breesus.  

PERFECTION LIES IN THE UNKNOWN- Falcons defenders will be all over veteran Marques Colston and breakout star Kenny Stills. If Payton can get the virtually unknown Jalen Saunders in the mix, the Falcons defenders will be off balanced all afternoon.

 GIVE IT TO STILLS AND PEACE will BE STILL-  In other words, while balancing the run and pass, remember there are far too many weapons on this Saints offense. Kenny Stills will be a primary target who is efficient and precise in catching the ball. I wouldn’t try and set the tone with that same opening scoring deep route that the Saints usually try against the Falcons each year. Try it later. Maybe second quarter ish but if it’s open, take it. This will shut down any trash talk of Julio and Roddy. #lettherebepeace

Detect the dunk - Drew Brees will and must find his other favorite target. Just because the game has opened up for other players on the offense in the last few weeks, don’t feel totally upset about using Jimmy Graham as a decoy. He understands. He MAY get open a couple of times this Sunday afternoon. And he should definitely throw away a few duckies in this upcoming game. How does 30,000 dollars sound? DUNK! ITS WORTH IT!

DEFENSE

FIND THE BALL- I already know that those gnats have their assignments. But with trash talking Roddy White on field with his P-N-C, Julio Jones, not only do they need to make a statement but they need to make one early. That'll be their (White and Jones) #twobit^change.


STICK IT TO HIM- If Akiem Hicks is available Sunday, he along with Cam Jordan and Curtis Lofton will need to bring down the buttress of protection for Matty ICE. "Duh." you say? In the last three weeks, Ryan has only seen the ground twice. #potatoes


Score Prediction: SAINTS 31 vs Falcons 20
                                                                                    
                                                                                            Cheers,
                                                                                                SC


Injury Report

 New Orleans Saints:

OT Terron Armstead (Neck) - Questionable

S Jamarca Sanford (Hamstring) - Questionable

DE Akiem Hicks (Ankle) - Questionable

 

Atlanta Falcons:

G Jon Asamoah (Back) - Questionable

WR Julio Jones (Hip) - Questionable

Limited - Sunday Status

S William Moore (Foot) - Questionable

DB Josh Wilson (Hand) - Probable

WR Roddy White (Knee) - Probable

WR Harry Douglas (Foot) - Probable

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