I checked the NFL forum and PT over the last couple days
and uncharacteristically nobody is really coming out on the
big TNF showdown which features New Orleans @ Atlanta.
Being an early appreciator of what the Saints are up to this season,
and an early cynic of the Falcons, I was originally tempted to take
the Saints, however that lean has gone away. The Saints are up against
a team at home that really needs this win and perhaps might stack up
against them in speed and talent, if not reliability.
Eager to re-establish offensive proficiencies after mustering only 9 points
Sunday against the Vikings, Atlanta will not be facing a pass rush or backfield
like Minnesota's. It will be a significant step down in opposition for them,
so expect the yards and first downs to accumulate with relative ease.
Devonta Freeman, in his return from 2-game injury last week, rushed for
74 yards. He isn't even mentioned on the IR and could have a big game.
Atlanta's IR sheet is a lot shorter than the Saints for this game, which
could be a factor coming off short rest on TNF.
In this situation, we have to be weary of riding the hot team (New Orleans)
on the road which doesn't need the win as badly as the 7-5 home team
that is guaranteed to give 100% effort.
Caveats include coaching and special teams. Dan Quinn has made some
questionable decisions and doesn't appear to have the same grasp on
getting the most out of his team as Sean Payton does.
Still mulling this over...
and uncharacteristically nobody is really coming out on the
big TNF showdown which features New Orleans @ Atlanta.
Being an early appreciator of what the Saints are up to this season,
and an early cynic of the Falcons, I was originally tempted to take
the Saints, however that lean has gone away. The Saints are up against
a team at home that really needs this win and perhaps might stack up
against them in speed and talent, if not reliability.
Eager to re-establish offensive proficiencies after mustering only 9 points
Sunday against the Vikings, Atlanta will not be facing a pass rush or backfield
like Minnesota's. It will be a significant step down in opposition for them,
so expect the yards and first downs to accumulate with relative ease.
Devonta Freeman, in his return from 2-game injury last week, rushed for
74 yards. He isn't even mentioned on the IR and could have a big game.
Atlanta's IR sheet is a lot shorter than the Saints for this game, which
could be a factor coming off short rest on TNF.
In this situation, we have to be weary of riding the hot team (New Orleans)
on the road which doesn't need the win as badly as the 7-5 home team
that is guaranteed to give 100% effort.
Caveats include coaching and special teams. Dan Quinn has made some
questionable decisions and doesn't appear to have the same grasp on
getting the most out of his team as Sean Payton does.
Still mulling this over...
