Numbers to Know: Saints vs. Falcons
New Orleans is looking to start 2024 with a home field win.
This Sunday at noon in the Caesars Superdome, the division rival New Orleans Saints (8-8) will take on the Atlanta Falcons (7-9). This will be the last game of the regular season for both teams, and New Orleans may get a shot at the playoffs.
These three figures have the potential to be quite significant in Sunday’s game.
67%
What does this mean: New Orleans’ red zone efficiency over the past three games
Why should I care: One of the biggest issues with the offense has taken a complete 180. In the first half of the season, New Orleans struggled to find the end zone after crossing the 20-yard line. The team has a 67% red zone touchdown efficiency over the past three weeks, which is sixth-best in the NFL.
It appears that Derek Carr and Pete Carmichael have become more comfortable controlling this offense once inside the red zone. The offense will need to capitalize on this red zone momentum against a Falcons defense that held New Orleans to just 15 points in November. They might have to do it without Alvin Kamara, which could be a troubling challenge for Carmichael.
91 Yards
What does this mean: Rushing yards gained by Bijan Robinson against the Saints on Nov. 26
Why should I care: The Saints could not stop the run game the last time they faced the Falcons. More specifically, they could not stop rookie Bijan Robinson, who rushed for 91 yards on 16 carries.
RB Tyler Algier had an easy day, racking up 64 yards on ten carries. With the instability of the Atlanta quarterback room, the Saints have to focus on stopping the run. Dennis Allen’s defense was able to shut down Tampa Bay’s Rachaad White last week, but Robinson might be a tougher challenge. This should be a dominant defensive performance for New Orleans, but it must begin with containing Robinson.
268 Yards
What does this mean: Passing yards thrown by Chicago Bars quarterback Justin Fields against Atlanta last week
Why it matters to me:This season, Atlanta’s pass defense has proven to be quite formidable. Their passing yardage allowed per game is just 200, which ranks eighth in the league. But last week, Justin Fields managed to toss 268 yards against them. It seems like the Falcons defense gave up on stopping Fields last week and made little attempt.
Derek Carr needs to take advantage of the fact that Atlanta’s secondary seems to be as weak as ever. Carr has another chance to throw for 304 yards, as he did against Atlanta in November. Can he prevent careless turnovers, though? To maintain any chance of making the playoffs, he must.
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