Fascinating players to watch in Falcons vs. Saints

There is always intrigue when the Atlanta Falcons take on their hated rival, the New Orleans Saints. So it’s a challenge to name just five Falcons when there is so much intrigue. However, I must persevere as this impossible task comes upon me again.

So my efforts are focused on looking at the players who either shined or struggled the last time the Falcons faced the Saints, as those players look for redemption or redemption.

Kirk Cousins

Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​was lackluster in his first game against the Saints in Week 4 but has been red-hot since. Over the last five games, Cousins ​​ranked in the top five passers in several categories: pass yards, touchdowns, passer rating and completion percentage. These are all clear signs of how efficient he was. Will this continue in week 10?

If so, then it’s evidence that Cousins ​​is clearly mindful of the issues he faced early in the season and that he’s really felt comfortable in the Falcons’ offense.

Kyle Pitts

Tight end Kyle Pitts, who has done the same for Cousins ​​with his success over the last five games, will help Cousins ​​get comfortable. More success should be on the horizon this week against a Saints defense, which has struggled this year to prevent explosive plays to tight ends, an area where Pitts shined.

However, the last time he faced the Saints, he went without a catch. He needs to return that performance and gain some room, especially with wide receiver Drake London limited due to a hip pointer.

Caleb McGary

Falcons right tackle Kaleb McGary missed the last game against the Saints with a knee injury. Because of this injury, McGary has been less effective than usual since returning to the lineup. McGary has overcome the difficulties early in his career against the Saints and developed into a player who has generally fared well in recent years.

According to PFF, McGary hasn’t allowed a single pressure in his last three straight games against the Saints. If he manages to have another positive performance against the Saints, it would be a sign that he may be getting back into form just in time for the top run of the season.

Matt Judon

Defensively, Falcons fullback Matt Judon is another player who needs to step up this week. He should also see a favorable matchup against Saints right tackle Trevor Penning, who ranks 67th out of 79 offensive tackles in pass blocking grade, according to PFF.

Last week against the Dallas Cowboys, Judon’s reduction in snaps could be interpreted in many ways. The most obvious thing, however, is that Judon is not living up to expectations in terms of pass rush production. Since the Falcons failed to pull the trigger on adding more pass rush support at last week’s trade deadline, that only means Judon, who the team acquired via trade earlier this summer, is under closer scrutiny is taken. Will Judon start to step up or will the Falcons continue to want it?

Troy Andersen

Unlike the others, linebacker Troy Andersen’s intrigue isn’t based on a disappointing performance in the last meeting between the Falcons and Saints, but rather an underwhelming performance. Andersen was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week in his previous outing against the Saints, where he recorded 17 tackles and a pick-six. His presence was instrumental in keeping Saints running back Alvin Kamara under control in Week 4.

Now the Falcons need Andersen to do it again. The Saints will be without their top two receivers, Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, meaning their offense will likely run through Kamara and hybrid player Taysom Hill. Andersen’s athleticism makes him the Falcons’ linebacker best equipped to limit them in both the running and passing games.

Another impressive performance from Andersen will be further evidence that he is starting to turn things around as a player, and the Falcons can continue to count on him to be a difference-maker in the future. That would be a huge contribution to improving the overall defense.

Can you name any other Falcons that intrigue you in this rivalry game against the Saints?