Fascinating players to watch in Falcons vs. Saints

With the Atlanta Falcons facing their hated rival, the New Orleans Saints, in a game that holds significant odds on the team’s playoff hopes, naming five Falcons becomes even more important. This week’s intrigue revolves around injuries on the offensive line and a trio of Falcons looking for breakout games.

Ryan Neuzil & Storm Norton

The Falcons will start two backups this weekend in center Ryan Neuzil and right tackle Storm Norton, and both will face challenges. According to Next Gen Stats, Neuzil will be tasked with handling some of the protection calls against a formidable Saints attack, which Next Gen Stats says has been their most effective method of applying pressure this year.

Norton, on the other hand, will face the Saints’ strongest pass rusher in Carl Granderson, whose team-leading 18 pressures come predominantly from the left side of the defense. Expect the Falcons to give Norton as much chip help as possible.

Kyle Pitts

Sunday presents another favorable matchup for Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts, a week after Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert had 11 catches and 170 yards. Pitts didn’t have the greatest performance last week against the Kansas City Chiefs, but he made his presence felt on several key plays. The Falcons hope to continue to get him more involved in the offense this week.

Troy Andersen

Falcons linebacker Troy Andersen is tasked with helping contain the Saints’ running game and play-action passing attack. The Saints’ running game has been a big part of their offensive dominance in the first two games, and Saints quarterback Derek Carr leads the NFL with the highest percentage of dropbacks that involve play-action passes, according to PFF.

This type of offense puts the crosshairs squarely on the linebackers, and Andersen has been up and down in three games. A more consistent day from him could do wonders for the Falcons defense’s ability to contain the Saints offense.

Matthew Judon

The Falcons need to be able to put pressure on the quarterback, and that job should fall primarily to Judon. There was hope last week that the Falcons would move Judon from left to right outside linebacker to play him opposite Chiefs left tackle Wanya Morris, their weakest link up front. Unfortunately that wasn’t the case.

However, the Falcons don’t have to move Judon this week to get him in exchange for Trevor Penning, the Saints’ weakest link at right tackle. If the Falcons can stop the run and put the Saints in third-and-long situations, it could be a long day for Carr if Judon can pin his ears back and chase the quarterback.

Can you name any other Falcons that intrigue you in this weekend’s match?