Week 12 consists of an NFC South showdown when the New Orleans Saints host their most bitter rival, the Atlanta Falcons. The Saints are coming off their bye and are at 2-8, beating the Carolina Panthers in Week 10 for the primary victory within the profession of rookie quarterback Tyler Shough. Atlanta is available in at 3-7 and driving a five-game dropping streak after dropping at residence to the Panthers final week.
New Orleans has struggled offensively this season. They rank simply twenty sixth in complete yardage and thirtieth in factors scored, with their largest points having the ability to run the ball and a lifeless final rating in pink zone effectivity. Atlanta ranks across the center of the pack defensively, however has had some main struggles towards the run. It is right here that we focus our evaluation of this matchup between these fierce rivals.
Falcons Run Protection
- 138.5 yards per recreation (twenty eighth)
- 4.7 per carry (twenty sixth)
- 8 touchdowns (ninth)
Atlanta held the Panthers to below 70 yards on the bottom final week. Nonetheless, their earlier seven opponents had gained a minimum of 110 yards speeding towards them, with 5 operating for a minimum of 135 yards. That features the Colts, who rolled over the Falcons for 323 yards on the bottom and 244 alone from operating again Jonathan Taylor. The Falcons have allowed two 100-yard rushers and three extra to realize a minimum of 60 yards speeding.
Atlanta employs an undersized defensive entrance with edge rushers which might be constructed to hurry the quarterback over defending the run. The Falcons inside linebackers are additionally beat up. Divine Deablo has been on injured reserve, whereas Troy Andersen stays on the PUP record. Former Saint Kaden Elliss leads the Falcons in complete stops (65) and tackles for loss (8), however Atlanta has had a troublesome time standing up on the level of assault and shutting off operating lanes on the again finish.
Saints Operating Sport
- 92.8 yards per recreation (twenty eighth)
- 3.7 per carry (thirtieth)
- 3 touchdowns (thirty first)
New Orleans rushed for 122 yards two weeks in the past towards the Panthers, breaking a five-game streak the place they have been held to below 90 yards on the bottom. These 122 yards was their second highest output of the yr, as this offense dwells on the backside of the rankings in all important speeding statistics.
Alvin Kamara leads the crew in speeding, however has solely 460 yards and a 3.6 per carry common. Kamara rushed for 83 yards towards the Panthers and had 99 yards speeding in Week 2, however has been held to below 70 on the bottom in seven of his different eight outings. With Kendre Miller (knee) out for the yr, Taysom Hill is the subsequent logical backfield risk. It hasn’t occurred. Coach Kellen Moore has but to determine a solution to make the most of Hill’s versatility. He has solely 22 makes an attempt for 52 yards, averaging simply 2.4 per carry. Rookie Devin Neal has had some flashes, however has 10 rushes for 43 yards.
Many of the Saints speeding makes an attempt have come inside, the place the crew has struggled on the offensive line. Guard Cesar Ruiz is the one remaining opening day starter on the within, and he is the weakest hyperlink on the road. Middle Luke Fortner and guard Dillon Radunz are replacements for Erik McCoy (injured) and Trevor Penning (traded) however are nonetheless jelling within the center. On the skin, rookie left deal with Kelvin Banks Jr. and second-year proper deal with Taliese Fuaga are a terrific tandem. Nonetheless, the Saints merely do not run behind both usually sufficient and have issue establishing cutback lanes after they do.
The truth that a crew with Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill on the roster is tied for the fewest speeding scores within the NFL tells you the way inept this offense has normally been. To cut back the strain on rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, the Saints have to have success on the bottom. This begins by establishing Kamara early on and with success up entrance, but additionally in Kellen Moore’s recreation plans and play-calling.
