TWICE is NICE!!!!

After suffering a bout of postseasonal/offseasonal depression and then watching the Saints work out some preseason kinks, I can come out of my shell full fledge and proudly yell “TWO DAT!”

 When the teams kicks off its regular season in Atlanta on Sunday at noon, so many interesting   events to look forward to in this crucial match up against their hated division foes. There’s no doubt both teams always come to play to their fullest capacity during each meeting.

Experts will have so many avenues to approach during this game, it shouldn’t be difficult to analyze this duel.  The first thing that will be mentioned is the fact that the Atlanta Falcons were last in the division last season with a record of 4-12.  Last season, the Falcons only managed one win against divisional opponents and three total wins against NFC opponents. That makes me flutter!  They may only be a tad bit better this season.  But what about the infamous myth of last to first? This season will prove that those who were last, still won’t be crowned champions. Better yet, they may end up second or third in the division.

As previously stated, any angle chosen to analyze this game will give you a mouthful. So many different foci to observe heading into this game like what about the tight end battle? With the exit of Tony Gonzales, who will be Matt Ryan’s go to guy? Will he be confident in Bear Pascoe or Levine Toilolo?

We already know Jimmy Graham is on tap from his preseason performance. Although he missed workouts, it appears he hasn’t missed a step.  Ben Watson seems to be stepping up. Some people, including myself, didn’t think he would make it another season in Black and Gold. So is it safe to say that the Saints come up victorious in the tight end comparison? I dare you to say otherwise.

 

Keys to the game: This will be interesting.

Offense: Rushing Attack. QB PERFORMANCE. Receiving Corp. Will Khiry Robinson be a major factor in most of the Saints rushing plays? He can clearly gain more yardage than Pierre Thomas. Thomas is starting to step up a bit and fight for more yards. How about Drew Brees? Is he healthy? Is the protection on his left side solid or do we have to re-sign Ryan Griffen?  It won’t take a psychic reading to foretell that Luke McCown clearly is not a trustworthy back up. Matt Ryan will be eager to start the season with a win against his biggest opponent.  Surely, handing the Saints their first loss might give them the spark they need to gain a head start in the division.

What about the receiving corps? The performance of Brandin Cooks is looking up to be a bright spot this season while watching him in preseason.

Will this be the season of Osi Umenyiora as a Falcon? Has he found his niche in the Falcons defense? He’ll be looking to reposition himself as one of the league’s elite going up against Drew Brees. Protection is crucial.

Defense: MAN UP!

This should be REALLY REALLY interesting. Contain Stephen Jackson. Contain White, Julio and Douglas.

No one is blind to the fact that Stephen Jackson a beast.  We know he is unafraid to meet defenders head on and carry them down the field. Will his performance be enough to stiffen Rob Ryan’s gang? In their preseason performance, the Saints defense almost looked ready to play damn near anyone. Matt Ryan will be eager to start the season with a win against his biggest opponent.  Surely, handing the Saints their first loss might give them the spark they need to gain a head start in the division. With just a few more kinks to work out, the Saints D may just seal the deal on another championship. Did I mention they have to pass the Devin Hester test? Julio Jones will have something to prove after missing most of the season with injury.  The worst possible scenario is to leave Hester, Jones or Douglas alone in space. That could make for a looooooooo ng Sunday evening for Who Dat Nation.

Special Teams: CONTAIN DEVIN HESTER! The Falcons still have a bitter taste in their mouth in regards to Steve Gleason and his infamous stretch causing a blocked punt years ago. #nowhiteflags. They’ll be looking to run one in the end zone with Hester. Is it just me or has Devin lost a step or two in the speed department? Sunday will answer all the questions and clear up any confusion.

 With the first game yet to be played, I have predicted the Saints may go on to another Superbowl and win it all.  I may be a bit premature but I have faith that this team, this year will make it deep into the playoffs…. IF AND ONLY IF DREW BREES REMAINS HEALTHY ENOUGH to lead the Saints in the post season!

                                                                                                                         CHEERS,

                                                                                                                              SC

Game prediction: SAINTS 31 vs falcons 20

Season prediction 11-5 trip deep into the post season; may be a SB Championship.

 

****please drink responsibly. Age 21 and older. Always choose a designated driver.