Tulsa World: Unbeaten Saints hope to survive the Falcons

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Unbeaten Saints hope to survive the Falcons

UNBEATEN
Drew Brees: His Saints are one of two teams in the NFL without a loss going into tonight's game.

By BRETT MARTEL Associated Press
Published: 11/2/2009 2:27 AM
Last Modified: 11/2/2009 7:19 AM

NEW ORLEANS — Sean Payton would welcome a little deja vu.

About three years and one month ago, the Saints played one of the most memorable games in franchise history at home on a Monday night against the Atlanta Falcons.

It was the Saints' first game in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina and they looked invincible on that emotionally charged night in the Louisiana Superdome, winning handily to stay undefeated and in first place in the NFC South.

"The dome advantage for a home team, and specifically the New Orleans Saints and what we get from our fans, is significant," Payton said.

This Monday night matchup of the Falcons and Saints is about as big as a midseason game can get. It's a nationally televised clash of longtime rivals who also are the class of the NFC South this year. The Saints (6-0) are trying to stay unbeaten and take a three-game lead in the division, while the Falcons (4-2) would enjoy being the first to knock off New Orleans while pulling within a game of the division lead.

These teams have developed increasing similarities in recent seasons. Both have coaches who talk about changing the culture of franchises whose histories have been dominated by losing. The Saints have never been to a Super Bowl. The Falcons have never had two winning seasons in a row.

Both teams have balanced offenses, with good quarterbacks, big-play receivers and strong running games. Matt Ryan, who led Atlanta to the playoffs as a rookie last season, has had continued success

this season by hooking up with receiver Roddy White and new tight end Tony Gonzalez.

The Saints once again have a league-leading offense led by Drew Brees, who spreads the ball evenly among Marques Colston, Lance Moore and tight end Jeremy Shockey. New Orleans' improved running game, powered by the trio of Pierre Thomas, Mike Bell and Reggie Bush, ranks third.

The Saints' pass coverage is vastly improved, producing 13 interceptions already.

Atlanta won't deny the playoff implications each divisional contest holds, but, at least publicly, coach Mike Smith and Ryan are playing it cool.

"To me, this is not any different than any other ballgame," Smith said.

Added Ryan, "Our focus is just on winning, not trying to find out where we are or anything like that..." By BRETT MARTEL Associated Press

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forkandknife, Tulsa (11/2/2009 3:32:37 PM)

I see the Saints hanging on to their unbeaten rank for a few more games. Atlanta is a good team. But, at the same time. Very young. Still need time to get adjusted to the fast pace NFL style play.

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