An NFC South showdown takes place on Monday night when the New Orleans Saints host the Atlanta Falcons. After last week's home loss to the Raiders, New Orleans is at home for their second straight game and comes in with a 1-2 record. The Falcons, who have an identical 1-2 mark, play their second straight game on the road after winning at the Green Bay Packers last Thursday.
New Orleans has started the season playing below expectations defensively. They've had their most notable struggles against the run. Atlanta's overall offense doesn't scare many, but they do possess one of the NFL's most dangerous running backs. It is that aspect of Monday's matchup that we examine now.
Atlanta Falcons running game
- 173 yards per game (2nd)
- 5 yards per carry (7th)
- 3 touchdowns (7th)
Atlanta's rushing numbers are greatly boosted by a 242-yard performance
at Green Bay. However, this is also a running game that ranked 8th in the league last season. The offensive line for the Falcons is one of the better run blocking units in the league. Their left side has remained the same for years with Jake Matthews at tackle and Matthew Bergeron at guard. Right guard Chris Lindstrom is another constant, with right tackle Jawaan Taylor a solid offseason addition.
Of course, the main cog and crown jewel of Atlanta's offense is Bijan Robinson at running back. Robinson is a lethal threat either inside or outside with an elite combination of power and burst. He's had over 1,400 yards rushing in each of the last two years, with his 349 on the ground after three games second in the NFL. Robinson, who had 194 yards rushing against the Packers, has had some success against the Saints with four outings of well over 100 scrimmage yards in six meetings.
Brian Robinson is a very good complement at running back. Brian doesn't have Bijan's gamebreaking burst, but has outstanding power between the tackles. The Falcons can also tax defenses by lining up Bijan as a receiver while still providing a legitimate rushing threat with Brian Robinson in the backfield.
New Orleans Saints run defense
- 127.7 yards per game (27th)
- 4.7 per carry (27th)
- 4 touchdowns (24th)
- 14 tackles for loss
New Orleans will be without their leading tackler and one of their top defensive players with linebacker Kaden Elliss out with a calf injury. Also the defensive captain, presenting more problems, Elliss is the team's best run defender. Compounding the difficulties is linebacker Pete Werner (hamstring) has also missed practice all week and is listed as questionable. Werner has major open field liabilities but is second on the team in tackles and a good run defender. Rugged Danny Stutsman will play one linebacker spot, but Werner's status leaves the defense dangerously thin here. Look for outstanding athlete Isaiah Stalbird to get more reps, but he has seen little time on base downs and short yardage situations.
New Orleans injury woes continue with Carl Granderson (ankle) and Anfernee Jennings (knee) listed out against Atlanta. Granderson isn't a standout run defender, but it's an area where Jennings shines. The absence of both of them leave no depth behind Chase Young and Cameron Jordan, increasing the chance that they could wear down late.
Saints get some good news this week with the return of rookie second round choice Christen Miller at nose tackle. Miller was drafted specifically to upgrade the run defense but has missed the last two contests with a toe injury. He'll join Vernon Broughton and Nathan Shepherd up front with little quality depth behind them. Davon Godchaux and Colby Wooden must step up their play in the trench rotation, with Chris Rumph II, Myles Cole, and Tyree Wilson possibly getting reps on the edge or as down linemen.
Depending on Werner's availability along with the effectiveness of Stutsman and Stalbird, don't be surprised to see the Saints drop multiple defensive backs in the box. Safeties Jonas Sanker and Justin Reid would be the most likely candidates for that assignment. New Orleans defensive backs can be aggressive against the run as a unit, but must tackle better to prevent big plays. This is a matchup that the Saints lose big on paper, particularly with injuries to Elliss and Werner. Miller, Stutsman, Stalbird, and others will now be under the microscope against the explosive Bijan Robinson.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Shorthanded Saints defense has tall task vs. Falcons RB Bijan Robinson
