Saints - Falcons

It was another great win for the Saints.  No matter how bad they are, and how good we are, it always feels good to get a win against the Falcons.

The Falcons played well throughout the entire game right up until their only turnover, which proved to be the difference.  They were able to move the ball consistently against the Saints defense.  Matt Ryan was hitting different receivers.

Kudos to the Saints, because as well as the Falcons played, the Saints played better. That's a credit to their discipline, their focus, and their mental toughness.  Drew Brees was a little off by his standards.  As Bobby Hebert pointed out, bad passes are so rare with Drew, that when he throws one, it is so easy for fans to nitpick them, but as always, an awesome game by him.

It seems like anytime Drew Brees completes at least one long touchdown pass of over forty yards in a game, whether it be Devery Henderson (I realize he isn't a part of the team anymore, but he was on the receiving end of a lot of them), Jimmy Graham, Robert Meachem, or Kenny Stills, the Saints win.  Today was no different.  Drew connected on that long touchdown pass to Jimmy Graham.  That, and the turnover were the differences in the game.

Once again the Saints defensive line was dominant.  Akiem Hicks had a terrific game for the second straight week.  He is difficult to block against the run, and he is able to rush the passer, and is a really good football player.  Cam Jordan once again proved that he is among the elite defensive linemen in the league.  Junior Gallette was rushing the passer as well.  The defensive line is the reason why the defense has been such a pleasant surprise this season, and is a big reason why the Saints are playing winning football in 2013.

I am a little concerned with the play of Corey White.  Matt Ryan was throwing the ball to the man that he was covering quite frequently, and it wasn't like he was covering the class of the NFL.  He was covering Harry Douglas.  Despite his difficulty, he seems to be at the right place at the right time to pick up fumbles, and get interceptions.  But he needs to step up his play, and be a player that Rob Ryan can rely on, rather than be a liability.

The Saints are going to Seattle next week.  This game is huge for two reasons.  If the Saints win, they will be in position to grab home field advantage in the playoffs.  Much like the Superdome, Centurylink Field in Seattle is a notoriously difficult place to play, and it would be huge if the Saints go up there, and steal a win, and also steal home field advantage in the playoffs.

It is also huge, because the Carolina Panthers are breathing down our necks.  We have two games against them in this second half of the season, and both games will be enormously huge.  They are one game behind us in the NFC South standings, and a loss can be the difference between home field advantage throughout the playoffs with a first round bye, and a wild card birth.

Make no mistake about it.  This Seattle game that is coming up is HUGE.  We have to win this one.  I think we can go up there, and make it happen.  Believe, Who Dat Nation.

Who dat?!