Canal Street Chronicles
Let’s start the breakdown for Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons!
Banks, once again, had a great game, which seems like more of an expectation rather than a hope. This week against the Falcons, it is going to be a challenge that the rookie must step up to. The Saints could be once again without RT Taliese Fuaga, and at least one side of the line needs to deal with the Falcons’ pass rush. QB Tyler Shough needs as much time as possible to pick apart Atlanta’s defense and win this game.
Speaking of Tyler Shough, this is going to be a massive game for the rookie. He has had one acceptable performance and one excellent, but this game will be a good middle ground to see where Shough is. The Falcons’ pass rush is going to be dangerous, and although Shough has been fine against pressure this season, he is much better with time. Keeping the turnovers down will go a long way to winning this game for the Saints.
This is going to sound very similar to the Carolina Panthers game, but Sanker’s role should be nearly identical. With backup Kirk Cousins starting for the Falcons, the Saints need to focus on stopping the run above all else. Bijan Robinson can carry Atlanta to wins just by himself, but if his production is muted, this is where the Falcons can lose.
If the run game does get stopped, Riley can take advantage of the situation and get some big plays. He is improving week by week with more playtime, and a turnover is waiting to happen when he is on the field. Cousins has a habit of throwing turnover-worthy throws, and this is a real game where Riley can get his second career interception.
Every week, it seems Neal’s role is only increasing, but it still seems like it’s not enough. Neal was able to make some great rushing plays against the Panthers and had one of the most critical catches of the game. Clearly, his role in the offense is important, but he is somehow underutilized. Alvin Kamara also had a great game, and Taysom Hill still played well, but there were still missed opportunities. Against the Falcons, the hope would be for Neal’s role to continue to grow and for him to make more winning plays.
