Saints, Falcons meet in pivotal NFC South clash
 

NFL Game Center: Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints - 2009 Week 8

» Last meeting: Drew Brees passed for 230 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Saints past the Falcons, 29-25, in Week 14 last season.
» Streaks: The Saints have won five of the past six meetings, but trail the overall series, 45-35, including the playoffs.
» Last week: New Orleans overcame a 21-point deficit in the first half and defeated Miami, 46-34. ... Atlanta suffered a 37-21 loss in Dallas.
Keep your eye on ...



Marques Colston establishing himself as a No. 1 receiver: Brees loves to spread the ball around for the Saints, but Colston has re-emerged as his favorite target after an injury-riddled 2008 campaign. Colston is among the league leaders in yards per catch, touchdowns and 20-plus yard receptions and will provide the Falcons' ailing secondary a stiff test.

Darren Sharper's big-play ability: Sharper has not only provided the Saints with a veteran presence on defense, but he gives the secondary a playmaker that is a threat to score any time he picks off a pass. He will likely try to bait a suddenly errant Matt Ryan, who has thrown five interceptions in his past three games, into a mistake.

Atlanta's offensive versatility: While the Falcons boast some of the league's elite offensive talent, the team has struggled to develop that extra option to take some pressure off Ryan, Michael Turner, Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez. Last year, backup RB Jerious Norwood provided a spark, but he has struggled with injuries this season. Atlanta needs Michael Jenkins, Brian Finneran or Jason Snelling to emerge as a seondary weapon.

Re: Saints, Falcons meet in pivotal NFC South clash
 

It's gotta be tough for Atlanta to play N.O. after being beaten by the Cowboys last week, how demoralizing is that?