Atlanta had a lucky play and an awesome quarterback to thank for its 35-28 win over the Raiders on Sunday. A redirected eight-yard touchdown pass by Matt Ryan was caught by Justin Hardy, who was at the right place and right time.
Ryan torched Oakland’s defense for 396 passing yards on 26 of 34 completions with three touchdown passes and an interception. Ryan and the Falcons’ offense has been soaring thus far on the season, as they are first in passing yards per game (355.5) and second in total yards per contest (451.0).
Atlanta’s offense is filled with excellent playmakers that should all pose a threat to New Orleans’ porous defense, one that gave up 417 total yards to the Giants on Sunday. Moreover, Saints’ opponents have gone 4-for-5 in the red zone, which must sound very tasty for Julio Jones and company.
Jones isn’t the only one worthy of the attention of opposing defenses for Atlanta, though he remains the best receiver on the team. Jones paces the team with 172 receiving yards and two touchdowns through two games. Jacob Tamme has been busy making a name for himself, as he has a team-high 11 receptions for 126 yards and a score.
The backfield, meanwhile, features the combo of Devonta Freeman and the rising Tevin Coleman. Atlanta is averaging 95.5 rushing yards per game.
Atlanta is 3-3 ATS in its last three games against the Saints.
Rob Ryan is long gone, but the defense remains utterly bad for New Orleans. Now 0-2 in the standings following a 16-13 setback at the hands of the Giants on Sunday, the Saints look to do better on both sides of the ball in Week 3, when they host the high-flying Falcons. The Saints are 4-1 SU and ATS in their last five home games against Atlanta.
New Orleans are second-to-last in the league thus far this year in total defense with 451.5 yards allowed per game. The Saints’ air defense was sliced open by Eli Manning, who despite not recording a passing touchdown, had 368 passing yards on 32 of 41completions.
But what the Saints lack in defense, they make up for a robust offense. Drew Brees is enjoying his time under center in leading the Saints’ passing attack that ranks fourth in the league with 333.0 yards per game. Brees went 29-for-44 passing in the Giants game for 263 passing yards and a touchdown with no interceptions.
The Saints’ backfield, meanwhile, sputtered for a measly 41 rushing yards. Mark Ingram only had 30 rushing yards on nine carries. He’ll need to do way better against Atlanta, which is allowing 122.5 rushing yards per game.
