The intense rivalry between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints continues to captivate fans, making every encounter highly anticipated. In light of their upcoming matchup, here’s a look at five Falcons players who have either excelled or have room for improvement based on their previous showdown against the Saints.
Kirk Cousins, the Falcons’ quarterback, struggled during the team’s last meeting with the Saints in Week 4. However, he has since found his rhythm, ranking among the top five quarterbacks in multiple passing categories over the past five games, including passing yards, touchdowns, passer rating, and completion percentage. If he maintains this trajectory in Week 10, it will signal that he has overcome his early season challenges and is thriving within the Falcons’ offensive strategy.
Tight end Kyle Pitts will also play a crucial role in Cousins’ performance. Despite having gone without a catch in his last matchup against the Saints, Pitts has shown significant improvement and poses a critical threat to a Saints defense that has struggled against tight ends. With wide receiver Drake London potentially limited by a hip pointer, Pitts must step up and address the missed opportunities from their last encounter.
Right tackle Kaleb McGary is another player to watch. He missed the previous game against the Saints due to a knee injury, and since returning, he has not been at his peak. Nevertheless, McGary has historically performed well against the Saints and hasn’t allowed any pressure in his past three matchups against them. A strong performance this week would not only indicate his return to form but also solidify his contribution as they head into the later parts of the season.
For the Falcons’ defense, outside linebacker Matt Judon needs to regain his form. Recent performances have led to a decrease in his snap count, suggesting that he may not be meeting the expectations that come with his acquisition. He will have a favorable matchup against Saints right tackle Trevor Penning and this game presents a crucial opportunity for Judon to make an impact.
Lastly, linebacker Troy Andersen’s previous performance against the Saints was nothing short of spectacular, earning him NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors after his 17 tackles and a pick-six. As the Saints will likely rely heavily on running back Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill this week, Andersen’s athleticism will be key to limiting their impact. Another standout performance from Andersen could further establish him as a vital player for the Falcons’ defense.
As the rivalry continues to spark excitement, fans will be eager to see how these players perform and whether they can turn past disappointments into victory this time around. The Falcons have a mix of players ready to make their mark, suggesting a thrilling game ahead.
For those tuning into the game, keep an eye on these players and how they might influence the outcome, as well as any other Falcons players who pique your interest in this storied rivalry! This matchup offers not just a chance for redemption, but also a spotlight for long-term growth and development among key team members.