• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • NBA
  • Pro Wrestling
  • MMA
Week Three: Saints @ Falcons Preview

Week Three: Saints @ Falcons Preview

September 22, 2018
Flight Cancelled: Patriots Take the Win Over Jets, 30-27

A Clare Perspective: And the kick is good!!…. Or is it?

March 8, 2021
Chicago Bears offensive linemen

Chicago Bears: Offensive Line More Solid Than Many Think

March 8, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
2021 Dolphins Draft Profile: Linebacker Micah Parsons

2021 Dolphins Draft Profile: Linebacker Micah Parsons

March 8, 2021
Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders Opinion: Frustration Becomes Common

March 8, 2021
Memories Of The Basement Where Trent Frederic Became Bruins’ Future Tough Guy

Memories Of The Basement Where Trent Frederic Became Bruins’ Future Tough Guy

March 7, 2021
D'Wayne Eskridge

2021 Packers Prospect Profile: D’Wayne Eskridge

March 7, 2021
Ottawa Senators’ Prospect Lassi Thomson a Work-In-Progress

Ottawa Senators’ Prospect Lassi Thomson a Work-In-Progress

March 7, 2021
Mets Lineup Is Improved, Braves and Nationals Still Dangerous

Mets Lineup Is Improved, Braves and Nationals Still Dangerous

March 6, 2021
Travis Etienne

RB Draft Profile: Travis Etienne

March 6, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Dylan Moses

March 6, 2021
Crossbody of Work Episode 53: Rob Van Dam

Crossbody of Work Episode 53: Rob Van Dam

March 6, 2021
Bergeron’s Chat With Wilson Again Showed He’s Right Leader For Bruins

Bergeron’s Chat With Wilson Again Showed He’s Right Leader For Bruins

March 6, 2021
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • FullPressRadio.com
  • SHOP FPC
  • FullPressHockey.com
  • FullPressWrestling.com


Monday, March 8, 2021
Full Press Coverage
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Coverage
No Result
View All Result
Home NFL NFC NFC South Atlanta Falcons

Week Three: Saints @ Falcons Preview

John Douglas Vogel by John Douglas Vogel
September 22, 2018
in Atlanta Falcons, Featured, Game Previews, New Orleans Saints, NFC, NFC South, NFL, NFL Featured
Reading Time: 8min read
0
Week Three: Saints @ Falcons Preview

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 24: Marshon Lattimore #23 of the New Orleans Saints and Ken Crawley #20 of the New Orleans Saints react after a play during a NFL game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 24, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

1.5k
SHARES
3.3k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

The New Orleans Saints pay their annual visit to Atlanta this week, with a lot of season implications on the line. The Saints are threatened to sink to 0-2 in division play, and the Falcons are looking to advance to 2-0 in the same category. If the Falcons take a 2-0 lead in the division to start the season, it will be very difficult for the Saints to bounce back later in the season to gain back this valuable tie breaker.

Atlanta isn’t an easy stadium to play in. The southeastern section of the United States is a very passionate section, one full of rabid fans that eat up game days, especially when their teams are good. Atlanta is one of the better fan bases in America.

More FromFPC

Flight Cancelled: Patriots Take the Win Over Jets, 30-27

A Clare Perspective: And the kick is good!!…. Or is it?

March 8, 2021

Chicago Bears: Offensive Line More Solid Than Many Think

March 8, 2021

2021 Dolphins Draft Profile: Linebacker Micah Parsons

March 8, 2021

Raiders Opinion: Frustration Becomes Common

March 8, 2021

This preview will probably be a little bit different then what you are accustomed to seeing. We will be running five key team match-ups, and compiling a final score based on projections from those match-ups.

What are we waiting for? Shall we begin?

Saints Passing Offense against Falcons Passing Defense

Drew Brees has still appeared to be one of the top five quarterbacks in the NFL. For the majority of his throws, he has been on the money with his shots down the field, into the flat, and putting people into position to make plays. Brees is completing a ridiculous 81.3% of his passes right now.

Brees’ top receiver, Michael Thomas, is catching 93% of his targets, securing 28 of the 30 attempts his way. He has 269 yards receiving and 3 touchdowns, and has so far been borderline unstoppable. Ted Ginn has been Brees’ deep threat, averaging 13.7 yards per catch. Alvin Kamara out of the backfield has been extremely effective, he’s caught 15 of his 18 targets.

The Falcons secondary has been stiffer then most this season. In the first two games, they have disrupted 19% of the opposing teams passes. Opposing offenses have gone after Ricardo Allen, with Desmond Trufant covering one side of the field himself. Allen has held his ground well, deflecting three passes and intercepting another. Brian Poole is holding up well in the slot, and was featured in my film study on Thursday.

The Falcons safeties are in a little trouble with Keanu Neal out for the season. They gave up three touchdown passes last week to Cam Newton, including a 51 yard bomb to rookie receiver DJ Moore. This could be a problematic match-up on the back end for this team.

Projection – Saints 21 Falcons 0

Falcons Passing Offense against Saints Passing Defense

Matt Ryan didn’t look like himself week one against the Eagles. He was late on so many throws, just played off, and didn’t deliver the way we are accustomed to seeing him deliver. Week two, however, was a different story, as Ryan accounted for 4 touchdowns, 2 through his arm and 2 more with his legs.

Julio Jones, Mohamed Sanu and rookie Calvin Ridley is one of the scariest wide receiver lineups in the league. Ridley caught his first score last week, an 11 yard strike from Matty Ice. Tight end Austin Hooper and running back Tevin Coleman provide reliable dump options for Ryan to put the ball when the play starts to break down.

The Saints defense here is a little vulnerable. Marcus Lattimore hasn’t at all looked like himself, and this secondary has allowed four long touchdown passes (58, 50, 36, 47 respectively) already this season. Buccaneers wide receiver DeSean Jackson scored two of those, and Browns rookie Antonio Callaway scored another. The equation here is simple, speed is killing this defense.

Sanu and Ridley could potentially have big games here. They both posses sub 4.4 speed, and might be able to torch this secondary deep over cornerbacks Ken Crawley and Patrick Robinson. Matt Ryan is a completely different quarterback at home, and guess what? He’s playing at home this week.

Projection: Saints 0, Falcons 28

Saints Rushing Offense against Falcons Rushing Defense

The Saints are struggling mightily from the loss of Mark Ingram, who currently is sitting a four game suspension for PED use. Alvin Kamara is a very good running back, but the Saints haven’t really schemed him into the role of the star running back. They have been content to lean on Drew Brees and the passing game, and continue to use Kamara as a Darren Sproles type of player.

The real mistake they have made is that they still try to use Mike Gillislee as a Mark Ingram type running back. Gillislee has not delivered, running for just 27 yards the first two games and averaging a measly 2.5 yards per carry. Kamara hasn’t been schemed to run, as the Saints haven’t tried to get him too involved in the run game. He’s carried the ball 21 times for 75 yards.

This is the week they need to try to get Kamara more involved. The Falcons are giving up 5.2 yards per carry so far this season, as the Falcons are missing one of their defensive captains in Deion Jones. I think the Saints realize this, they will open the run game with their passing attack, and get it going with Kamara.

Projection – Saints 14 Falcons 0

Falcons Rushing Offense against Saints Rushing Defense

The Falcons are in very much the same spot that the Saints are. The Falcons are missing their bell cow running back in Devonta Freeman, who was hurt in week ones game against the Eagles. He is out with a knee injury. Tevin Coleman is now the back in Atlanta.

The only difference between the situations is that the Falcons found ways to run the football. Coleman had a huge game last week, carrying the ball 16 times for 107 yards. He busted several long runs in that game with his freaky athleticism and ability to read the hole. Rookie fourth round pick Ito Smith, out of Southern Mississippi, saw ample playing time as well and had good explosiveness.

The Saints are giving up 3.4 yards per carry this season, and it’s taken opponents 61 carries to get to 205 yards. They are playing well against the run, with AJ Klein and Demario Davis stepping up to the challenges. They handled a tough Eagles team, who saw about four different running backs, and a good Browns running game. There is no reason to doubt that the Saints won’t be able to do the same in this game.

The last fact that needs to be pointed out: Tevin Coleman and Ito Smith both fumbled so far this season.

Projection – Saints 0 Falcons 7

Special Teams

This is where the game comes down to the wire. The first key is the field position game.

Saints punter Thomas Moorstead has been great this season, as usual. He is currently averaging 47.9 yards per punt. Four of his punts have been returned, averaging 4.9 yards per return. Saints opponents average starting on their own 27 yard line.

Falcons punter Matt Bosher is close to Moorstead, averaging 46.5 yards per punt. He’s seen six punts be returned for an average of 6.3 yards per return. Falcons opponents average starting at their own 21 yard line.

Falcons kicker Matt Bosher hasn’t missed a field goal try yet. He missed an extra point against the Eagles, but Bosher nailed a 52 yarder against the Eagles. He still looks good.

The Saints kicker is a little bit more of a question mark. Will Lutz missed a 44 yard try against the Browns, and hasn’t attempted from 50 or more yet this season. His career long is a 57 yard try, but has gone 7 of 12 from that range.

Projection – Falcons 6 Saints 3

Overview

The Saints and Falcons will be a shootout, and it will be judged by who ever makes the first mistake. I think in this case, the Saints special teams unit will fall short, and the Falcons will squeeze by.

Projection – Saints 38 Falcons 41

Main Image: Embed from Getty Images

Tags: AJ KleinAtlanta Falconscalvin ridleydemario davisDrew Breesito smithJulio JonesMarcus LattimoreMatt BosherMatt Ryanmichael thomasMohamed SanuNew Orleans SaintsNFLRicardo AllenWill Lutz
Share602Tweet376
Previous Post

Vikings Injury Report: Multiple Starters Ruled Out

Next Post

Colts Game Previews: Week Three vs Philadelphia Eagles

John Douglas Vogel

John Douglas Vogel

John Vogel has been an avid football fan since he was seven. Over the past fifteen years, he has slowly transitioned from fan to analyst. John can be found grinding tape on NFL Draft prospects, and is the NFL Draft Managing Editor.

Next Post
Sep 16, 2018; Landover, MD, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) speaks with head coach Frank Reich during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports

Colts Game Previews: Week Three vs Philadelphia Eagles

Through The Spyglass: Looking at the NFC South Week Three

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

A Twitter List by iglen31

FPC Podcasts

  • Ep. 73: Week One Breakdown Roundtable
    by Full Press Coverage on March 8, 2021 at 4:13 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV5302595244.mp3?updated=1615176841
  • Ep 66: NBA 1st Half Recap/Look Ahead To Championship Week
    by Full Press Coverage on March 6, 2021 at 8:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV8477261670.mp3?updated=1615056349
  • Ep 53: Rob Van Dam
    by Full Press Coverage on March 6, 2021 at 3:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV1124025915.mp3?updated=1614915539
  • Ep. 189 - AEW Revolution Predictions
    by Talkamania on March 5, 2021 at 10:37 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43759334/talkamania_episode_189.mp3
  • The Pick and Roll NBA Podcast W/ Jet and Sap - EP 13 - The NBA All Star Spectacular!
    by Full Press Coverage on March 5, 2021 at 8:55 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43758121/pick_and_roll_3_5.mp3
  • Ep #96: Anthony Sherman Retires, Alex Smith Return?
    by Full Press Coverage on March 5, 2021 at 6:09 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV7101463072.mp3?updated=1614967778
  • Ep 66: Pending Packers Free Agents
    by Full Press Coverage on March 4, 2021 at 11:04 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9985321098.mp3?updated=1614898723
  • Ep. 198: Filtering Through ****ery
    by Full Press Coverage on March 4, 2021 at 6:36 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV7194950521.mp3?updated=1614883039
  • Ep. 72: Gators/Dynasty Preview
    by Full Press Coverage on March 4, 2021 at 4:13 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV7537135813.mp3?updated=1614874411
  • 3/4 - Remembering John Candy; Montana/Brady; John Sapochetti Joins
    by Full Press Coverage on March 4, 2021 at 3:15 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV3392716899.mp3?updated=1614873314

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 53: Rob Van Dam
    by Evan Gomes on March 6, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

  • AEW Dynamite Results, Grades & Opinion: March 3, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on March 4, 2021 at 4:29 am

    AEW Dynamite Results, Grades & Opinion: March 3, 2021 A.K.A. The One With Shaq Going Through A […]

  • WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: March 1, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on March 2, 2021 at 4:49 am

    WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: March 1, 2021 A.K.A. The One Where Lashley Finally Did It […]

  • NXT TakeOver Draft: Who Can Build The Best All-Time TakeOver Card?
    by Evan Gomes on March 1, 2021 at 2:30 pm

    Who can create the best NXT TakeOver card? One of the most consistent events in wrestling over the […]

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 52: Jacqueline
    by Evan Gomes on February 27, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

More Wrestling News

  • Pacific Division Weekend Recap: March 5-7, 2021
    by C.C. Hawkley on March 8, 2021 at 3:00 pm

    All seven AHL Pacific Division teams were in action for two games between Friday, March 5 to […]

  • IceHogs Find Success Against the Wild
    by Elaine Shircliff on March 8, 2021 at 1:00 pm

    The Rockford IceHogs and Iowa Wild were on the hunt for positive momentum this weekend. Only one, […]

  • Memories Of The Basement Where Trent Frederic Became Bruins’ Future Tough Guy
    by Matt Kalman on March 7, 2021 at 8:19 pm

    After NBCSN Boston’s The Camera Guys got the skinny on Trent Frederic learning how to fight in […]

  • Ottawa Senators’ Prospect Lassi Thomson a Work-In-Progress
    by Murray Pam on March 7, 2021 at 5:43 am

    One player who hasn't garnered much attention in terms of chatter to be considered part of the […]

  • Henderson Boasts Top Defense Against Colorado
    by C.C. Hawkley on March 7, 2021 at 5:35 am

    The Henderson Silver Knights and Colorado Eagles played for the second time in two days on Saturday […]

More Hockey News

  • Ep 54: Boston Strong Through First Quarter; Bruins Ready For Tahoe; Trade Rumors
    by Full Press Coverage on February 19, 2021 at 1:42 pm

    Ian and Chris discuss the Bruins first quarter of the season, the upcoming […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26944781/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-19%2F9842e3b3bd832cd255d0058b2a68b0b5.m4a
  • Ep 53: Bruins On a Roll; Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy; Blackey Family History
    by Full Press Coverage on February 3, 2021 at 10:40 pm

    Ian and Chris are joined by Eric Blackey to talk Bruins' hot streak, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26174126/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-03%2F66793c2461c1f0eaf37253a4e481f46b.m4a
  • Ep 52: Bruins Early Season Struggles
    by Full Press Coverage on January 21, 2021 at 10:51 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the first few games of the season and wonder what […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25536904/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-21%2F3056b20d5e95c23e9c23b40f379c9029.m4a
  • Ep 51: Bergeron Dons The "C", Picking Up the Chara/Krug Slack; Season Expectations
    by Full Press Coverage on January 13, 2021 at 10:20 pm

    Mike Cratty of the Sal and Cratty Show and BlackNGoldHockey.com joins Ian […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25157918/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-13%2F4542c465ec7a3234f146bea647ede57e.m4a
  • Ep 50: Mr. Chara Goes to Washinton
    by Full Press Coverage on December 31, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the Capitals signing of Bruins longtime captain, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24623669/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-31%2F26d5b85c06ec2255c2f6cfc78b24cf94.m4a
  • Ep 49: Bruins New Division; Chara's Future in Boston
    by Full Press Coverage on December 23, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    Ian and Chris return to discuss the NHL's 56-game season, the Bruins new […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24356084/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-23%2F5755949a0115f50df8582cc32916323a.m4a
  • Ep 48: Jake DeBrusk Signs; Reverse Retro Jerseys; Thanksgiving Food Draft
    by Full Press Coverage on November 26, 2020 at 5:54 pm

    On this Thanksgiving episode of the Big Bad Bruins Podcast, Ian and Chris […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/23142833/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F52d6fc857b1cd37d19b4fe24752398f6.m4a
Full Press Coverage

© 2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • Staff Portal
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • Have a news tip?
  • Privacy Policy
  • FPC Radio Network
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • FullPressHockey.com

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows

© 2020 Full Press Coverage