Week 12 includes an NFC South showdown when New Orleans Saints will host its most bitter rival, the Atlanta Falcons. The Saints come out 2-8 with a win over Carolina Panthers in Week 10 for rookie quarterback Tyler Shaw's first career win. Atlanta enters 3-7 and is on a five-game losing streak after losing at home to the Panthers last week.
New Orleans has struggled offensively this season. They rank just 26th in total runs and 30th in points scored, with their biggest issues being ball handling and dead last in red zone efficiency. Atlanta ranks near the middle of the pack defensively, but has had some major struggles against the run. This is where we will focus our analysis of the match between these fierce rivals.
Falcons run on defense
- 138.5 yards per game (28th)
- 4.7 per carry (26th place)
- 8 touchdowns (9th)
Atlanta held the Panthers to under 70 rushing yards last week. However, their previous seven opponents totaled at least 110 yards against them, and five rushed for at least 135 yards. This includes Coltswho rolled through the Falcons for 323 yards on the ground and 244 yards from running back Jonathan Taylor. The Falcons allowed two players to rush for 100 yards and three others to gain at least 60 yards.
Atlanta runs a small defensive front with edge rushers who are designed to rush the quarterback rather than protect him. The Falcons' linebackers also took a beating. Devine Deablo is on injured reserve and Troy Andersen remains on the PUP list. Former St. Caden Ellis leads the Falcons in total stops (65) and tackles for loss (8), but Atlanta has had a hard time standing at the point of attack and shutting down running lanes on the baseline.
Game Saints Run
- 92.8 yards per play (28th)
- 3.7 per carry (30th)
- 3 touchdowns (31st)
Two weeks ago, New Orleans rushed for 122 yards against the Panthers, breaking a five-game streak in which they were held to fewer than 90 yards on the ground. The 122 yards were their second-most of the year, as this offense ranks near the bottom of every meaningful rushing statistic.
Alvin Kamara leads the team in rushing, but he has only 460 yards and a 3.6 average per carry. Kamara rushed for 83 yards against the Panthers and posted a 99-yard performance in Week 2, but he was under 70 yards in seven of his other eight outings on the ground. With Kendre Miller (knee) out for the year, Taysom Hill is the next logical threat in the backfield. This did not happen. Coach Kellen Moore has yet to find a way to utilize Hill's versatility. He has just 22 attempts for 52 yards, averaging just 2.4 per carry. Rookie Devin Neal had a few throws but completed 10 catches for 43 yards.
Most of the Saints' rushing attempts came inside, where the team's offensive line struggled. Defenseman Cesar Ruiz is the only remaining starter in the starting lineup and is the weakest link on the line. Center Luke Fortner and guard Dillon Radunz replace Eric McCoy (injured) and Trevor Penning (traded) but still play center. On the outside, rookie left tackle Calvin Banks Jr. and sophomore right tackle Talise Fuaga are a formidable tandem. However, the Saints simply don't fall behind often enough and have a hard time finding escape routes when they do.
The fact that a team with Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill on the roster has the fewest points allowed in the NFL speaks to how inept this offense has typically been. To take the pressure off rookie quarterback Tyler Shaw, the Saints must find success on the field. This starts with Kamara's early build and success in the early game, as well as Kellen Moore's game plans and plays.
