Four days after its worst performance of the season, the New Orleans defense now has to face its greatest test.
Few offenses have been more explosive than the Atlanta Falcons, who ride into the Mercedes-Benz Superdome for a 7:25 p.m. Thursday start with Julio Jones, Devonta Freeman and the NFL’s No. 4 offense, a balanced, dynamic attack that is producing 32.4 points per game.
At first glance, the Saints defense looks like a mismatch. New Orleans ranks 30th in the NFL in rushing defense, 30th in opponent passer rating and dead-last in total yardage, hemorrhaging 409 yards per game.