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Saints vs Falcons Game Day Thread

The last time the New Orleans Saints faced the rival Atlanta Falcons, they were brimming with hope for what was to come in 2022.

A lot has changed since the Saints erased a 16-point fourth quarter deficit back in Week 1. With four weeks to go, the Saints are 4-9, putting them in a tie for the fourth-worst record in the NFL. Remarkably, the Saints are still not eliminated from playoff contention.

Here’s what we’ll be keeping an eye on as New Orleans tries to find some positive vibes at the end of a lost season.

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Four downs
1. A rude welcome?

Atlanta quarterback Desmond Ridder is making his NFL debut Sunday in the Superdome. New Orleans is relatively familiar with the rookie after scouting him during this year’s draft process (Atlanta selected him in the third round), but it has little to go off of in terms of game-planning outside of some preseason action and what he did in college at Cincinnati. Will the Falcons deploy him in the same way they did Marcus Mariota in Week 1?

2. Big game for No. 7?

Taysom Hill seems to like playing the Falcons. In 11 career games against Atlanta, Hill has thrown for 622 yards and three touchdowns, rushed for 331 yards (on 7.9 yards per carry) and four touchdowns and has added a receiving touchdown. Earlier this year, he ripped off a 57-yard run to power an 81-yard rushing day. It would not be a surprise to see the Saints call Hill’s number early and often against Atlanta on Sunday.

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3. Can they unlock AK?

In his last five games, running back Alvin Kamara is averaging just 2.9 yards per carry and 27.4 yards per game on the ground. He hasn’t been finding much more success through the air, averaging 3.6 catches and 29.2 yards per game as a receiver in the same span. Maybe the Saints can get him going against a Falcons defense that has allowed 150 or more yards rushing in five of its last six games.

4. A good problem

A linebacker corps that some thought a weak link before the season has actually been a strength. Demario Davis has maintained his usual standard of excellence, Pete Werner was arguably the team’s best player before an ankle injury sidelined him, and in his place Kaden Elliss has been a revelation. With all three available Sunday, the Saints are now faced with a good problem: How do they get all of them on the field?

Numbers to know
114.4: Opposing quarterbacks have a 114.4 passer rating on plays in which Atlanta has sent a blitz this season.

82: Saints quarterback Andy Dalton has thrown 82 consecutive passes without an interception.

251: Receiving yards Chris Olave needs to break Michael Thomas’ Saints rookie record (1,137).

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