Will the Falcons March On the Saints in Their Season Opener?

Okay, it’s the time of year sports fans have been waiting on for.  And let me say that I am finally glad I can awake out of my six-month hibernation to rejoin civilization because football season is finally here!

And for the Atlanta Falcons and the “Rise Up” nation who would’ve thought we’d be tossed into the trenches of the NFC South this early in the season? Yeah that’s right for the first game of the 2013-14 season the home team will go on the road and defend their division title against none other than arch nemesis number one, the New Orleans Saints.

The tables are going to be turned this year as opposed to last. This time around New Orleans is looking to bounce back from a forgettable 2012 season in which they lost head coach Sean Payton for the year due to the Bounty Gate scandal.

I’m really looking forward to getting a first-hand look at the Falcons new additions such as powerhouse running back Stephen Jackson, defensive end Osi Umenyiora, and rookie cornerback Desmond  Trufont. Look for these guys to make a huge impression as the game progresses.

Some key matchups for this game will in fact be defense, defense, and defense.  I think it will come down to the Falcons defensive line versus the Saints offensive line. Containing Drew Breese is a must. As difficult a task it may seem the Falcons have to find a way to put pressure on Breese to stand a chance in this game.  Also, the Falcons secondary must try and contain tight-end Jimmy Graham and wide receiver Marques Colston. If the Falcons successfully and continuously contain these guys they have a solid chance getting the “W.”

I expect the Falcons to maximize the use of tight end Tony Gonzalez for this game. There’s a reason why the longtime veteran came back another year and that’s because he’s notorious for the big plays in crunch time. I also expect Julio Jones to play a huge role in this game as well. For Jones this should be his breakout year as the premiere wide receiver for the Falcons.  

All in all this will be a great game (as usual) with a lot of scoring with just as much trash talking. The Falcons will have to work extra hard especially being on the road playing the Mercedez-Benz Superdome and in the heart of the “Who-Dat” nation. In the end I predict the Falcons will come away with a 38-35 victory that comes down to the last play.

Falcons Rise Up!