The Atlanta Falcons face the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football in a crucial NFC South matchup. Our Falcons Roundtable breaks down Michael Penix Jr.'s return, Bijan Robinson, Atlanta's biggest concerns and predictions for the rivalry game.
The Atlanta Falcons will look to continue their momentum and pick up their second win of the season on Monday Night Football against the New Orleans Saints.
On this week's Falcons Roundtable, the staff discussed the upcoming matchup between the two NFC South teams, the importance of an early division victory, and how the roster is shaping out following the return of their franchise quarterback.
The Falcons looked like a completely new team with Michael Penix Jr. at quarterback. Can they continue that momentum this week?
Michael Brauner: I think they certainly can, but they will need a big night out of Bijan Robinson and the defense again. Run the ball and stop the run, that's the winning formula for this team.
Christian Rauh: Last week's return of Penix is exactly what they needed, but of course, I want to see consistency before I'm ready to say the Falcons have figured things out yet. Getting a victory on Monday Night Football would certainly add to that momentum.
Monday night's game marks the 20th anniversary of the Katrina game between the Saints and Falcons. Does that change how important it is to win this one against your division rival?
Michael Brauner: It doesn't change the importance, but it will certainly be a rocking environment at the Superdome. Any time these two teams get together, it means a little bit more.
Christian Rauh: The energy in the stadium is going to be different, so I think there is an impact, but I'm not sure how much the players are going to be focused on that moment, at least for Atlanta. The Falcons were successful on the 10th anniversary, though, and picked up the victory on Monday Night Football, so maybe they can get a little bit more of that magic as well.
What position concerns you the most? Now that quarterback seems to be corrected.
Michael Brauner: Frankly, it's still quarterback for now. Penix bounced back nicely, but the start of the TNF win against Green Bay was beyond ugly. I'd love to see him put together a more complete game this week.
Christian Rauh: I might be in the minority, but I'm still a little concerned about the defensive trenches with their depth. They've shown success, but I'm just not sure how long it can last.
After three games, who do you think is the biggest threat to winning the NFC South?
Michael Brauner: Tough not to say, Carolina. But I would put the chances for the Falcons, Saints, and Panthers all about even right now.
Christian Rauh: Carolina is definitely the front-runner in my mind, but three teams are in the running. The only team that I think has looked terrible has been the Buccaneers. Now Atlanta is starting to solve their offensive problems. They have a chance to find themselves back in the postseason for the first time in nearly a decade.
Score prediction for Monday Night Football?
Michael Brauner: Falcons 24, Saints 19
Christian Rauh: Falcons 27, Saints 24
