xan

I think, and it seems to be the underlying but as yet unsaid factor, that NFL players are all pretty damn good across the board. The only difference is coaching and system. This Saints squad is far better both athletically and mentally. This coaching staff clearly gets how to win and how to keep players' poise in adverse situations. I'm not taking anything away from the Falcons' two wins. They did what they had to do. But I think that Mora is a better coach than Gruden, and the Panthers were just unlucky to be without key players at a critical time.

The Falcons cannot play the Saints the way they played their two previous opponents. The Saints are not wounded animals looking to be put out of their misery. The Saints are healthy, smart and hungry, and while Atlanta may win, but they'll have to play out of their minds and have several favorable bounces in order to get that win.

Calvin: "I wish I was a Tiger."
Hobbes: "Common lament."