The Atlanta Falcons play their biggest game yet.
The Atlanta Falcons are headed into their fourth game of the year and second straight primetime game this week against the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football on the road once again.
Coming off a massive victory against the Green Day Packers last week on Thursday Night Football, it feels like an eternity since Atlanta has actually taken the field. Now, they are going to get the chance to do just that with a huge divisional showdown that could determine who has the leg up a quarter of the way through the season in the NFC South.
In a division where the margins are going to be so razor thin, these games are absolutely critical. Here are the three things the Falcons need to do in order to leave New Orleans with a victory.
Avoid the Slow Start
Given the way the rest of the game went, it's easy to forget about the way Atlanta struggled on offense to start the night against Green Bay. Much of this can be chalked up to Michael Penix Jr. shaking off the rust and the offense taking some time to adjust, but an early turnover and drives that are stifled may not be able to be overcome in a division game.
Penix being dialed in from the opening drive would go a very long way.
Win the Turnover Battle
A massive part of the reason the Saints are entering this game at 1-2 is losing to the Las Vegas Raiders last week, and this happened in large part due to the fact that they turned the ball over four times including three turnovers. It's unlikely to win it by three like the Raiders were able to, but being positive in the turnover margin is the quickest way to win any game in the NFL.
Atlanta would do well to make it happen on Monday night.
Get Kyle Pitts Going Early
Pitts only has two catches on the season at this point, and the Falcons simply need to get him involved in some way shape or form. Atlanta paid him like one of the best tight ends in football, but his usage so far does not indicate that.
This offense is better when Pitts is involved, so the Falcons would be wise to dial up a couple of plays to get him going early and avoid another quiet night for the talented young tight end.
