J.Mike's Missives

Time for a little behind-the-scenes info…

Each week NFL teams and their public relations departments schedule conference calls or production meetings between key coaches and players and members of the broadcast crew.

Some are longer than others. In the case of this week’s Falcons-Giants game, it may be little more than a cup of coffee and “how was the flight?”

For the third-straight week the FOX broadcast team of Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa will call a Falcons game. The crew is also in line to call the Birds’ games against Philadelphia and New Orleans, meaning five of six games will be overseen by one group of announcers.

This isn’t necessarily uncommon in the NFL, but it’s still something to mention.

Few are as familiar with the way the Falcons have played over the last month than these guys. Should make for a solid game if you’re watching on television.

• Sunday Games on CBS (Early)
• Sunday Games on CBS (Late)
• Sunday Games on FOX

ADDITIONAL NOTES ON WEEK 11 TELEVISION…

… Oh CBS, how you must love the marquee matchups in the AFC (otherwise known as whoever may put up a fight against the Indianapolis Colts). Most of the country will see Colts-Ravens except for some larger markets without an early CBS telecast.

… Insert possibly humorous comment on Browns-Lions here.

… If you live in Anchorage you get Broncos-Chargers. If you’re in Fairbanks you see Jets-Patriots. While we’re on the subject, is there a common team most Alaskans support? Any readers from Alaska?

J. Michael Moore Gameday AFC, Baltimore Ravens, CBS, Cleveland Browns, Darly Johnston, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, distribution maps, FOX, Indianapolis Colts, Kenny Albert, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, San Diego Chargers, Tony Siragusa

Falcons fans are still waiting to get official word on the injury report concerning Pro Bowl running back Michael Turner’s sprained ankle. But, as of early Wednesday afternoon, some news — and options — emerged in case the team is without its leading rusher.

For starters, the team re-signed 10-year veteran running back Aaron Stecker Monday evening to add more depth to the backfield. The Falcons also have Jason Snelling (hamstring) healthy and are hopeful to have fourth-year running back Jerious Norwood, the No. 2 man on the depth chart, back in action after an extended injury absence.

Stecker was originally signed on Oct. 27 to fill a roster spot created when rookie William Moore went on injured reserve.

In two games with the Falcons, Stecker totaled two rushes for six yards and five catches for 34 yards. The 10-year veteran has more than 1,500 rushing yards and 1,445 receiving yards in his career. He was released just before last week’s game and replaced by wide receiver Troy Bergeron. Though he missed some time, he said he’s not behind in the team’s system.

“I’ve been studying and picking up stuff week by week and there was a situation where, yeah, I was gone last week but I’ve been here,” Stecker said. “I can pick up where I left off.”

He can also help the Falcons make sense of time without the No. 1 running back.

Multiple times in Stecker’s career he’s been called upon to fill in for a big name (think Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush in New Orleans).

“That’s why guys last as long as I have,” Stecker said. “They go out there and, when they get an opportunity, they’re ready.”

Turner was optimistic about his own recovery and what the team can do in any absence.

He didn’t say when he’ll be back on the field, but did tell members of the media he’s never missed six weeks (widely reported recovery time for a high-ankle sprain) with an ankle injury.

http://video.atlantafalcons.com/video/194141/194141_2009-11-18-120813.flv
Click here for more Falcons video interviews from Wednesday

The six-year veteran also said he won’t rush back to the field until he’s ready.

“You don’t want to rush it,” he said. “You want to give it time to heal up and get stronger but, at the same time, you’ve still got to work it in order to get back as soon as possible.”

Should Turner and Norwood be unable to play, the Falcons would rely on Snelling and Stecker.

Asked earlier in the week about playing in place of the team’s feature back, Snelling, a seventh-round draft pick in 2007, continued the theme of confidence.

“Oh, yeah, that’s what I’m prepared for and I think that’s why I’m here,” he said. “We got a great offense and a great line and I’ll be prepared to go.”

BLOGGER’S NOTE: I’ll be tweeting from Head Coach Mike Smith’s media gathering this afternoon. Follow live updates here.

J. Michael Moore News Aaron Stecker, Carolina Panthers, Deuce McAllister, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, interview, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, Michael Turner, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, Troy Bergeron, video, William Moore

In a move to add depth to the receiving corps, the Falcons released veteran running back Aaron Stecker on Saturday and promoted wide receiver Troy Bergeron from the practice squad.

Bergeron, 6-foot-2, 195 lbs., played with the Georgia Force of the now defunct Arena Football League for three seasons, totalling  328 receptions for 4,335 yards and 96 touchdowns. He was named the AFL Rookie of the Year in 2005 and was a second-team All-Arena selection in 2007.

He was a mini camp addition that stuck through 2009 training camp in Flowery Branch. Though he was released on the final cut day before the regular season, he was quickly signed to the practice squad.

Stecker was signed on Oct. 27 to fill a roster spot created when rookie William Moore went on injured reserve. He played six days later in New Orleans, stepping in for an injured Jason Snelling and Jerious Norwood. He served in a similar role last week against Washington.

In two games with the Falcons, Stecker totaled two rushes for six yards and five catches for 34 yards. The 10-year veteran has more than 1,500 rushing yards and 1,445 receiving yards in his career.

J. Michael Moore News, Roster Moves Aaron Stecker, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, New Orleans Saints, Troy Bergeron, Washington Redskins, William Moore

For the second-straight week the Falcons will be be without their No. 2 and 3 running backs.

Jerious Norwood (hip) and Jason Snelling (hamstring) were added to the Falcons-Redskins inactive list about an hour before kickoff Sunday. Look for Aaron Stecker, signed last week, to back up Pro Bowler Michael Turner and fullbacks Verron Haynes and Ovie Mughelli to see additional action.

Atlanta went with the same setup last week against the New Orleans Saints and Turner rushed for a season-high 151 yards.

Other Falcons inactives:

• QB John Parker Wilson (thrid quarterback)
• S Charlie Peprah
• LB Spencer Adkins
• T Garrett Reynolds
• G Quinn Ojinnaka
• DT Thomas Johnson

We knew the Redskins would be without tight end Chris Cooley (foot) so the rest of the inactives aren’t a surprise. Normal punter Hunter Smith will miss the game, but reserve Shaun Suisham will take over those special teams duties.

Washington inactives include:

• P Hunter Smith
• CB Kevin Barnes
• CB Byron Westbrook
• FB Eddie Williams
• TE Chris Cooley
• G Chad Rinehart
• DT Antohny Montgomery
• DE Renaldo Wynn

The Falcons placed Jamaal Fudge on injured reserve early in the week and signed Peprah. Head Coach Mike Smith was impressed with Peprah’s play with the Packers last season, but he likely needs to freshen up on the Falcons system before seeing playing time.

The team also has special teams ace/reserve safety Antoine Harris (knee) back in the lineup.

“Charlie Peprah has started in this League,” Smith said. “He was a starter when we played Green Bay last year so we have some familiarity with him. He’s not familiar with our scheme in terms of verbiage and all of that, so it’s going to take some time. He was also a special teams player for the Packers last season.”

Some other things to keep an eye on in Sunday’s game at the Georgia Dome:

• Snap ready? Newly-acquired long snapper Bryan Pittman will play in his first game with the Falcons. He has more than 90 games of NFL experience, but he’s working at a key position
• Burner beginning? Turner got his game in gear against the Saints. The Redskins aren’t as good against the run as they are the pass (No. 2 in the league). Is that how the Falcons will attack their opponent?
• Healthy and ready? “Questionable” is one of the more interesting designations on the injury report. Not quite probable, but not a guarantee to be out. Many questionable players this week are suiting up. How productive will they be? Can the Falcons get a big lead and give players a chance to get healthy?

J. Michael Moore Gameday, injury Aaron Stecker, Antoine Harris, Bryan Pittman, Charlie Peprah, Chris Cooley, Garrett Reynolds, Head Coach Mike Smith, Hunter Smith, inactives, Jamaal Fudge, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, John Parker Wilson, Michael Turner, New Orleans Saints, Ovie Mughlli, Quinn Ojinnaka, Shaun Suisham, Spencer Adkins, Thomas Johnson, Verron Haynes, Washington Redskins

The ultimate goal is the playoffs, but this week’s target is to avoid a bona fide losing streak.

The Atlanta Falcons entered last week’s game against New Orleans having never lost back-to-back games in Mike Smith’s tenure as head coach. But, at the hands of the Saints, the Birds lost for the second time in two weeks.

Three in a row would put the team in some bad company — .500 at the halfway point with ground to make up.

The Falcons were 4-3 at this point last season as well but no time like the present (or a game against a 2-5 team with struggles on offense and the front office) to get back on track.

Matt Moore (@FalconsMMoore) talked about this and other topics in a new edition of Falconcast.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FALCONS-REDSKINS PREVIEW

While the Falcons match up well on paper with the Redskins — a team that hasn’t scored more than 17 points and fumbled 20 times — games at the Georgia Dome are played on turf.

Washington has the league’s fifth-best scoring defense and, while the record may not show it, the Redskins have been in games. All the team’s losses have come by 10 points or less.

Some things to keep in mind when you take a look at this week’s Keys to the Game:

• Attack the Redskins defense. There are Pro Bowlers at key Redskins positions. There are big names at others. That’s no reason to abandon the running game. Running back Michael Turner rushed for 151 yards and a score last week. A good running game will soften Washington’s No. 2-ranked pass defense. Keep in mind Roddy White had a 100-yard game in New Orleans and a 200-yard game when Turner rushed for three scores in San Francisco. Balance can be achieved.
• Win the special teams battle. You’ve probably heard of DeAngelo Hall, Sanrana Moss and Antwaan Randle El. They have one thing in common. They’re all listed on the depth chart as punt returners.
• Keep the intensity. Last season when the Falcons scored first the team went 11-1. This season, the record is 2-3. The only way that happens is if, like Smith said, the effort lacks after the opening minutes. Keep up the pressure on offense and defense — Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell has been sacked 20 times — and you avoid a third-straight loss.

MORE FALCONS-REDSKINS COVERAGE:

• GAMEDAY LIVE: More coverage in this special section of AtlantaFalcons.com
• GAME PREVIEW: More thoughts on the game from AF.com’s John Manasso
• GAME NOTES: Stats, fun facts and jersey information for Falcons-Redskins
• WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Some things you may not have known about this matchup
• J. MIKE’S MISSIVES: Thoughts on the game from the AF.com Managing Editor
• INJURY REPORT: Click here for the Piedmont Healthcare Injury Report
• GAME INFO: Pregame festivities and halftime entertainment information
• EXPERT’S TAKE: Trotter’s thoughts on the Falcons, NFL after eight weeks

J. Michael Moore Falconcast Antwaan Randle El, DeAngelo Hall, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jason Campbell, Matt Moore, Michael Turner, New Orleans Saints, Roddy White, Santana Moss, Washington Redskins

The Falcons aren’t dwelling on a tough loss at New Orleans for two reasons:

It’s not good to get caught in the past and — more simply — there’s no time to be upset.

Playing on Monday Night Football has its pros when it comes to national attention and spotlight. But it’s a problem for resting and focusing on the next opponent.

The Falcons Thursday practice was the first of the week in preparing for the Washington Redskins. Friday will be a combination Thursday/Friday practice and Saturday will feature a light, day-before-game workout.

Though peppered with questions about Monday’s division loss in the Big Easy, Falcons players and coaches focused their attention on the next opponent.

“The vibe in the locker room is always different after a loss than it is after a win,” quarterback Matt Ryan said. “But from my end it’s always about staying the course — continuing to do the same things week-in and week-out (and) trusting your preparation.”

Ryan threw three interceptions against the Saints and has fielded questions for multiple weeks about the state of the offense, which got Michael Turner back over 100 yards rushing last week but has fought a turnover bug of late.

“You have to be more judicious with the football (and) make better decisions,” Ryan said. “It’s something I ‘m working on (but) you don’t want to lose that sense of aggressiveness; you have to go out there and make some plays.”

Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez, whose three touchdowns have come at home, said the Falcons must be concerned about a letdown against the 2-5 Redskins, but it’s tough to completely overlook an opponent in professional football.

“Sometimes guys will look at the other team’s record and relax a little bit,” Gonzalez said. “I don’t expect that will happen to us. Our coaching staff is too good to let us go out there and relax… It’s important we don’t take any team lightly.”

WORDS FROM THE HEAD COACH

According to Head Coach Mike Smith, running back Jerious Norwood (hip) worked on a side field with trainers on Thursday while reserve running back Jason Snelling (hamstring) was limited in practice.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PIEDMONT HEALTHCARE INJURY REPORT

Injuries forced the Falcons into some game-week roster moves, but Smith likes the players the team brought in.

Wednesday night the Falcons announced the signing of Charlie Peprah to take the place of Jamaal Fudge (injured reserve). Thursday the team put long snapper Mike Schneck on IR (broken ribs), but filled the spot with Bryan Pittman, a veteran of 92 NFL games.

“He’s done it in the NFL,” Smith said of Pittman. “He’s an experienced guy so we don’t anticipate they’ll be any problem.

“Charlie Peprah started in this league. In fact, he actually was a starter when we played Green Bay last year so we have some familiarity with him… He was also a good special teams player for the Packers last season.”

Peprah could get some time on defense, but likely will get his snaps on special teams.

Defensively, the Falcons have to keep an eye on Pro Bowl running back Clinton Portis and wide receiver Santana Moss, though Smith said the Redskins have not been as explosive down field in recent weeks.

Quarterback Jason Campbell has completed 66 percent of his passes but has been sacked 20 times (10 fumbles).

“They’re going to take their shots so we have to do a good job with their receivers,” cornerback Tye Hill said. “(We have to) try to manage the game well and tackle Clinton Portis, he’s still a good, Pro-Bowl caliber back.”

J. Michael Moore News Brian Pittman, Charlie Peprah, Clinton Portis, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Jamaal Fudge, Jason Campbell, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Mike Schneck, Monday Night Football, New Orleans Saints, Santana Moss, Tony Gonzaelz, Tye Hill, video, Washington Redskins

For the second-straight week the Falcons put together flashes of success on the field only to fizzle at key moments in the game.

Head Coach Mike Smith did not hesitate when he talked to the media Tuesday — a little more than 12 hours after losing to the New Orleans Saints — about the team’s need for consistency.

“Looking at the tape I thought there were some good things and some things we did OK but there are some things we need to get corrected,” the second-year coach said, referring to the team’s 35-27 defeat at the hands of a division rival on Monday Night Football.

“We’re not hitting on all cylinders for 60 minutes and I think that’s the thing that’s evident over the last couple weeks. We’re not sustaining our level of play through the entire game… Not to make excuses, but — and this is not just on the offensive side of the ball, this is all three phases — we’re not sustaining the level of play to get the outcome we want.”

The coach said players and coaches alike must identify the issue and look to correct it before losses pile up on the team’s 4-3 record.

“We’re all responsible for the outcomes,” he said.

OTHER NOTES FROM THE MONDAY PRESSER…

… Smith listed several positives from the game, including running back Michael Turner’s season-high 151 rushing yards. Turner had been struggling to put together a dominant game.

“It’s something we’ve been working on and trying to tweak and get going,” Smith said. “I think one of the biggest differences was Michael really running hard and down hill.”

Smith said the coaching staff added some new looks in run formations but a lot of the praise went to Turner, who took time to review tape of some of his big runs from a Pro Bowl season in 2008 prior to taking the field in New Orleans.

The head coach did not offer an injury update on running backs Jerious Norwood (hip) and Jason Snelling (hamstring), who were inactive for the game.

… Veteran kicker Jason Elam missed a pair of field goals Monday night, leading to questions about the position from the Atlanta media.

“Jason did not kick the ball like we’re accustom to seeing him kick the ball,” Smith said. “That’s something we’ll always be evaluating. We always have a backup plan in place already in terms of who would be our backup kicker. (Punter) Michael (Koenen) has done that in the past, but that’s something we’re always evaluating.”

… Cornerback Tye Hill, acquired in a trade just before the regular season, officially got the start at one of the cornerback slots Monday night but Smith said more changes could be in store as the team finds the right combination to replace Brian Williams.

Smith said Hill was consistent against the run and the pass, but added Brent Grimes and perhaps rookie Christopher Owens could see more time on defense as the season progresses.

Grimes got his first interception of the season — a leaping grab that made it into several highlight packages — Monday night.

AS FOR THE REDSKINS…

… The Falcons will return to Flowery Branch for meetings Tuesday evening before getting Wednesday off. The team is on a short week to prepare for the Washington Redskins (2-5).

“Defensively, they are very strong. I think they’re a very aggressive team. They’ve had two weeks to prepare coming off a bye week,” Smith said.

J. Michael Moore News Brent Grimes, Brian Williams, Christopher Owens, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jason Elam, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, Michael Koenen, Michael Turner, Monday Night Football, New Orleans Saints, Tye Hill, video, Washington Redskins

I’ve decided pretty much anything I write here won’t make Falcons players, staff, coaches or fans feel better.

You don’t lose 35-27 to a division rival on Monday Night Football with so much emotion and passion on the line and wake up chipper the next morning (or, more accurately, later the same morning).

“Especially with the Saints, you know you’re going to have a tough game,” quarterback Matt Ryan said after the game.

Click here for more Falcons-Saints interviews

That about sums up why things happened in New Orleans. The Falcons expected a hard game. But it doesn’t really explain all the details and how the team will rebound from a 4-3 record on a short week and take on a struggling Redskins team.

“That’s the way the game goes sometimes… They’re going to make some plays,” Ryan said when asked about his team’s turnovers and the chances to snatch victory away from the undefeated Saints. “A credit to them; They’ve been making those kind of plays all year.”

Still too early in the season for a must-win game, but the Falcons can’t afford too many more losses if they want to keep the playoff dream alive.

“The focus now has to be getting back to work and getting ready for the Redskins,” Ryan said.

The focus will include a game plan that features the Falcons strengths. After Monday night, there are additional positives to build on including 151 rushing yards from Michael Turner, a defense that is increasingly opportunistic and crafty when pressuring the quarterback and a special teams unit that has some tricks ups its sleeve.

But let’s see what the media at large thinks…

Complete Gameday Coverage from AtlantaFalcons.com
We’ve all seen games like this. But we haven’t seen them over the last two seasons with the Falcons. I’m talking about passion. What does the rebound look like with so much left on the field in New Orleans?

Falcons can’t close the upset deal against Saints, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta certainly looked like the upstart team looking for an upset. But, as the game played out, it looked more and more like a heavyweight bout between balanced opponents.

Saints’ remaining schedule is league’s easiest, ESPN.com
Well, that’s not good news.

Crowd was part of Saints’ arsenal, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Get ready New Orleans, you have two nationally-televised games left. They happen to be against the toughest teams left on the schedule.

Saints Beat Falcons and Tie Best Start to a Season at 7-0, The New York Times
More notes from NFL Week 8 and the Saints (Version 2009) have a piece of franchise history.

These truly aren’t the Saints of old, ESPN.com
“Everything that could go wrong pretty much did — and the Saints still won.” Credit to the Saints and a lesson for the Falcons.

Saints have realistic shot at 16-0, SI.com
Plenty of eyes with the Falcons organization, mostly coaches but also everyone at home, took notes from this one. I expect a similarly intense battle next month at the Georgia Dome.

Falcons sought running back help, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Plenty of injuries going into the game, but it doesn’t look like the Falcons suffered any other major setbacks.

A night of fire from the Falcons, but not much Ice, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A few words about Ryan’s Monday night interceptions. The first was to a spot on the field that was to be occupied by a receiver, who was thrown off his route (penalty or not doesn’t matter). The second was a tipped pass (another great play by Jonathan Vilma). The third was a classic Hail Mary pick. I’m not saying there should be additional stat lines to describe interceptions, but I am saying…

Rapid Reaction: Saints 35, Falcons 27, ESPN.com
We certainly have a clearer picture of how the playoff race in the NFC South could shape up.

Former Falcon Hall still no fan of Petrino, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Is there ever a game in the NFL without a sub-story line.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, DeAngelo Hall, ESPN.com, Jonathan Vilma, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Monday Night Football, New Orleans Saints, NFC South, SI.com, The New York Times, Washington Redskins

For those that stayed awake into Tuesday morning to see if the Falcons could finish off an unlikely comeback and tie the game off an improbable Saints turnover and successful onside kick recovery, here’s what you missed.

In one word.

Effort.

Undying, unbridled, passionate, effort.

This game was more than an NFC South rivalry duel. It was also more than a simple loss, which is what got recorded to the Falcons schedule in New Orleans: 35-27.

Effort manifested itself in a number of ways, including four Saints turnovers forced by the defense, halftime adjustments that resulted in closing a two-score gap to just four points in the final quarter and reserve linebacker Coy Wire coming out of the pile for what could have been a game-changing fumble recovery and exploding from another mass of bodies with the football on what could have been a game-altering onside kick recovery.

All experts polled on ESPN prior to the game picked the Saints. Many thought the contest — pairing one of the league’s top offenses against a young, in many ways unproven defense — would be over quickly.

Not the case.

The Falcons defense played with heart and put pressure on Saints quarterback Drew Brees, even scoring off a sack-forced-fumble combo and intercepting the Pro Bowler to end another scoring chance.

That created opportunities for the offense, led by a resurgent Michael Turner (151 rushing yards and a score).

But it doesn’t take long for a game to take a sudden — and frustrating — turn.

For close to 55 minutes the Falcons (4-3) were in a position to give the Saints their first loss of the 2009 season. But for two brief stretches at inopportune times with unfortunate moments, victory was unraveled.

In the matter of 24 seconds in the second quarter of Monday’s game at New Orleans (7-0) the Birds watched as tie game devolved into a 14-point deficit. That’s what happens when Reggie Bush has an opening for a touchdown run and, two plays from scrimmage later, Matt Ryan throws an interception to Jabari Greer that’s returned for a score.

After solid halftime planning, the Falcons closed the gap to 28-24.

Then, more pieces fell into place.

A Saints turnover. A chance to take a fourth-quarter lead.

But that, too, was vanquished with a tipped pass and goal-line interception. The Saints attempted to put the game to bed with another touchdown, but the Falcons effort does not know quit.

It is ironic that, for the most part, each team did what it set out to do. There will be positive with negative to review on film and plenty learned for when these teams meet again in December.

It wasn’t the shootout experts suggested or the defensive battle that can arise from spirited play.

It was an in-between game between teams with something to prove.

And they did it with effort.

J. Michael Moore Gameday Coy Wire, Drew Brees, Jabari Greer, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Monday Night Football, New Orleans Saints, NFC South, Reggie Bush

My colleague Matt Moore (@FalconsMMoore) has a story about the Superdome he tells before big games in New Orleans.

He says the only time he’s been concerned about the structural integrity of a stadium due to crowd noise was the Saints first home game in 2006 — the return to the building after Hurricane Katrina.

New Orleans blocked a Michael Koenen punt in the first quarter and returned it for a touchdown. At that point, according to Matt, the dome teetered with cacophony.

The Falcons didn’t win the game. In fact, the team hasn’t won in the Superdome since 2002.

Tonight’s game between the Falcons and Saints doesn’t carry the same emotional weight as the 2006 matchup but, when it comes to the NFC South standings, the contest is monumental.

I don’t need to get into the details, except to say a Saints win creates a three-game lead in the division with nine games to play. In order to make up the ground the Falcons would likely have to get a win over the Saints at the Georgia Dome next month, hope for additional New Orleans losses and (of course) win as many of their own games as possible.

I can’t tell you exactly what the Falcons did this week to prepare for such a big game but I will say, in the NFL, it pays to treat games in two ways: home and away. Home games you’re supposed to win. Road games are tough. It’s an easy mental hurdle to understand and allows for proper focus on technical aspects of each game.

The Falcons know this one won’t be easy.

They know the Superdome will be loud, maybe as loud as Matt remembers it.

The Falcons also know it pays to win games when you’re charged with adrenaline. If not, winning the division could come down to simple — and unfavorable — math.

Complete Falcons-Saints Coverage from AF.com
Stats, video, game week coverage and more straight from Flowery Branch.

Falcons-Saints Game Center, NFL.com
The eyes of the nation and, more importantly, the NFL world, will be on the Falcons this evening. Plenty of eyes were on the Birds last week in Dallas, too. Let’s all hope for different results. In case you’re wondering, the NFL Network crew picks the Saints.

Falcons WR Finneran talks up rivalry with Saints, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
You’ll find few players in the locker room with the tenure of Brian Finneran. Perfect player to talk about the Falcons-Saints rivalry.

A Look Ahead: The Return, The Falcoholic
A brief, good breakdown of the remaining games.

Falcons-Saints as big as a matchup can get, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Superdome hasn’t been one of the most consistent places when it comes to hostile territories. That’s mostly because the Saints have had just as many down as up years. But right now, New Orleans has one of the best home-field advantages in football. They certainly have a fan following.

Sedrick Ellis out vs. Falcons, ProFootballTalk.com
You’re probably paying a lot of attention to the Saints offense. Nothing wrong with that. But injuries on the defense, which is emerging as one of the best in the league, could be big.

Falcons dazzled by Saints array of weapons, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There’s a fine line between “respect,” which is needed and “dazzle,” which is odd.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, Gameday AF.com, AJC, Brian Finneran, Georgia Dome, Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana Superdome, Matt Moore, New Orleans Saints, NFC South, NFL.com, ProFootballTalk.com, Sedrick Ellis, The Falcoholic