Over the years Marcus Williams Jersey , and Atlanta Falcons, two of the most bitter rivals in the NFL. High yardage output has been particularly true since the arrival of coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees to New Orleans in 2006. New Orleans has averaged nearly 26 points per game against the Falcons since Brees' arrival. The future Hall of Fame quarterback has had some of his best career games against their longtime foe, and is off to a fast start in 2018. Both Atlanta and New Orleans enter this weekend's game with 1-1 records, each winning last week after opening game losses. The Falcons entered the season with one of the NFL's fastest defenses, but have been plagued by injury early on. The Saints meanwhile, after having one of the league's most balanced offensive attacks in 2017, have been extremely one-dimensional during the suspension of Pro Bowl running back Mark Ingram. Today, we have a look at how the New Orleans offense may have success against the defense of their arch rival. SAINTS PASS OFFENSE vs. FALCONS PASS DEFENSE Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty ImagesNew Orleans has the league's 4th ranked passing offense. Quarterback Drew Brees cooled off a bit in the team's second game against the Cleveland Browns, completing 74% of his passes for 243 yards after completing 82% of his passes in a 439 yard performance on opening week against Tampa Bay. Brees uncharacteristically missed on a couple of open touchdown opportunities against the Browns that would have made the margin of victory wider, but for the most part he is as accurate as he's ever been. A far bigger concern for the New Orleans offense is the fact that their quarterback isn't getting the support from the team's complimentary targets that he had been accustomed to prior to last season. Michael Thomas (28 receptions) and Alvin Kamara (15 receptions) have accounted for an astounding 66% of Brees' completions. Ted Ginn Jr. has caught six passes for 123 yards and a score, missing on a couple of other big plays, continues to show that he can be a big play threat. Rookie third round pick Tre'quan Smith looked like a potential star during the preseason, but has just one catch thus far, while free agent acquisition Cameron Meredith has been inactive for both of the team's opening games. Veteran tight end Benjamin Watson has caught seven passes, and does have the trust of his quarterback,but the 37-yr. old is no longer a consistent threat down the field. Thomas' 28 catches in the first two games are an NFL record, and he has tortured defenses for 269 yards and 3 touchdowns. He has had two critical fumbles so far this season, but ball security has never been an issue with the third year wideout, and he has certainly become one of the league's most consistent weapons. The other player that keeps opposing defensive coaches up at night is Kamara, who is one of the most versatile weapons in the NFL. The reigning offensive rookie of the year already has one 100-yd. receiving game to his credit, and combines with Thomas to give New Orleans perhaps the most feared duo in the league. The excessive defensive focus on the two Saints stars could limit their production at times, as it did in moments against Cleveland, if nobody else on the New Orleans offense steps up to provide a legitimate threat. The Saints offensive line struggled a bit to protect Brees against a solid Browns pass rush, sacking him three times. The line is one of the better in the league, but the lack of a running game is allowing defensive fronts to generate a more focused pass rush. Left guard Andrus Peat has been nicked up by injury, and both he and left tackle Terron Armstead were limited in practice throughout the week, but look to be good to play on Sunday. Tackles Ryan Ramczyk and Armstead must be able to contain the speed that Atlanta has on the edge, and the interior of Peat, Larry Warford Authentic Alvin Kamara Jersey , and center Max Unger must provide a clean pocket for Brees to step up and deliver accurate strikes down the field. The Falcons rank 10th in defending the pass, but have been ravaged by injuries and gave up up over 300 yards through the air against Cam Newton and the Panthers last week. Atlanta had already lost safety Keanu Neal for the season in their opening night loss to Philadelphia, and had to place star linebacker Deion Jones on injured reserve. This week's news that pass rusher Takkarist McKinley along reserves Derrick Shelby and Corey Nelson will be out for this game as well makes their defense much thinner and more vulnerable. Defensive end Vic Beasley is still a dangerous pass rusher, and the Falcons do a good job of pressuring the passer from the defensive tackle position. The loss of Deion Jones at linebacker is crippling. He is quickly becoming one of the league's better linebackers, and has made a number of gamechanging plays against the Saints in four meetings. Taking Jones' place in the middle is Foyesade Oluokon, but he will be flanked by two athletic and talented players in Duke Riley and De'Vondre Campbell on the outside. Cornerbacks Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford will take on the primary responsibility of trying to contain Thomas and the other New Orleans receivers, along with Brian Poole and rookie Isaiah Oliver. Thomas has averaged almost 8 catches for nearly 118 yards and 3 touchdowns in his four career meetings against the Falcons, including 10 grabs for 117 yards and a touchdown in their first match up last year. Neal is a big loss on the back end, but safeties Ricardo Allen and Damontae Kazee will try to keep Brees and company from making big plays over the top. Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images~ Matchup to watch: Alvin Kamara vs. Falcons LB's Duke Riley/De'Vondre Campbell/Foyesade Oluokon ~Atlanta's defense managed to limit Kamara's impact in both meetings last season. He had only four touches for 27 yards in their first game, before leaving with a concussion during a 20-17 loss in Atlanta. During the rematch in New Orleans, Kamara had 19 touches, but totaled just 90 yards. Deion Jones' speed was the neutralizing factor, but the responsibility will now fall to Riley and Campbell. They weren't able to keep pace with Carolina's all-purpose threat Christian McCaffrey last week, allowing 139 total yards, including 14 catches and 102 receiving. Kamara is even more explosive than McCaffrey, and could be a recipe for disaster for the Atlanta defense. SAINTS RUSH OFFENSE vs. FALCONS RUSH DEFENSE Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty ImagesIngram's absence from the lineup has made the Saints completely one-dimensional. As great as Kamara has been as a receiver, he has only gotten 75 yards on the ground and averaged 3.6 per run attempt. He does continue to be a threat near the goal line however, running for two scores and converting two 2-pt. conversions on the ground. New Orleans as a team has averaged only 2.9 yards per rush, and ranks dead last in the league in rushing yardage. Reserve backs Jonathan Williams and Mike Gillislee have contributed absolutely nothing to the offense, but the usually terrific Saints offensive line has struggled to open holes for anyone running the football. Atlanta has struggled to stop the run, ranking 24th, and surrendering over five yards per carry. Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett helped form a stout interior that contributed to a 9th rank against the run last season, but he along with Terrell McClain and rookie Deadrin Senat have not been able to hold up at the point of attack. The result has been opposing linemen able to get to the Falcons undersized linebackers, especially troubling with the absence of Jones. Atlanta's defensive ends best attributes are as pass rushers, and the team's safeties have struggled in run support without Neal. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports~ Matchup to watch: OL Andrus Peat/Max Unger/Larry Warford vs. DT's Jarrett/McClain/SenatJarrett can be a pass rushing force from his defensive tackle position, but is also a key to attacking the Atlanta defense on the ground. If Jarrett and the rest of the Atlanta interior can be controlled, it allows Brees a clean pocket to operate. It also gives Saints tackles Ramczyk and Armstead an opportunity to control the Atlanta edge in the running game, perhaps allowing the team to generate rushing yards on the outside. WHAT TO LOOK FOR Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty ImagesThe Saints best hope for offensive success until Ingram's return lie on the abilities of Brees and his playmakers in the passing game, along with stout pass protection up front. Thomas presents a mammoth challenge to all defensive backs Youth Drew Brees Jersey , and Kamara's skills stretch a defense to it's breaking point. New Orleans will need one of their other receivers to step up and alleviate some of the pressure on Kamara and Thomas to produce big numbers. Atlanta is vulnerable in the middle of the field with the injuries to Jones and Neal, so expect the Saints to attack down the center. Perhaps by getting Tre'quan Smith, Austin Carr or Cameron Meredith more heavily involved in the game plan. New Orleans could try to generate a running game by using Kamara more off tackle and around the edge, rather than attacking between the guards. The Saints must convert their 3rd down chances, they are just 33.3% in that department this season, but are facing an Atlanta defense who is allowing opponents to convert 48% of their 3rd down opportunities. Brees needs just 14 completions to move into first place on the NFL's all-time completion list. He could get that before halftime in this one against an injury depleted rival, and seems destined for another huge game if the Saints are to win this key divisional battle. Facing the last undefeated team in this 2018 NFL season, the New Orleans Saints (7-1) had a chance to not only gain a crucial tie breaker over the Los Angeles Rams (8-1) in the NFC playoffs race, they could creep a bit closer to the potential of a first round bye in the playoffs.To the Saints’ advantage, the game was being played in the friendly confines of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. However, the Rams were an opponent capable of winning at home as much as away, as their flawless record indicated entering the game.*Here is how the game unfolded1st HALFThe Rams deferred the toss to the second half, and the Saints took the opening drive down 75 yards the field for a touchdown. The drive including a 4th down conversion (what’s new?) by Taysom Hill and an Alvin Kamara run into the end zone. Trailing 7-0, the Rams would waste no time driving down the field, punctuating their first drive with a touchdown run by Todd Gurley to tie the game at 7.Not the be deterred, the Saints then took their second possession of the game for another 75 yards right down the field, ending the drive with a touchdown pass this time, to Alvin Kamara once again. With the first quarter winding down, the Saints led 14-7, in what had all the makings of a Shootout at the Mercedes-Benz Corral.On their second possession, the Rams would need only three plays to get into the Saints’ red zone, the third play a deep pass to former Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks. In the red zone, Los Angeles quarterback Jared Goff would find Cooks again for a touchdown, tying the game at 14.On the Saints third possession of the game, Mark Ingram would fumble on the very first play, giving the Rams the ball at the Saints’ 22-yard line and the break they needed to pull in front of the Saints on the scoreboard. However, on fourth down inside the Saints’ red zone, the Rams call a fake, and punter Johnny Hekker is stopped short by linebacker Demario Davis http://www.saintsauthorizedshops.com/authentic-mark-ingram-jersey , giving the Saints the ball back at their own 12-yard line. New Orleans would then go 88 yards to score the go-ahead touchdown, a pass from Brees to rookie wideout Tre’Quan Smith, putting the Saints back in front 21-14.The next Rams’ drive would get fairly deep into Saints territory, but for the second time of the evening, the Saints’ defense would stiffen and force the Rams into a field goal try, which kicker Greg Zuerlein would miss from 51 yards out.With great field position at their own 41-yard line, it would take New Orleans three plays to get at the Rams’ 24-yard line on a pass to Michael Thomas and runs by Kamara and Ingram. After a crucial 3rd and 6 conversion to Alvin Kamara taking the Saints into the red zone. Brees would then find his tight end Ben Watson for a touchdown, putting the Saints ahead 28-14.On the very next Rams possession, with about one minute left in the half and two timeouts, Los Angeles was determined to try and narrow their deficit. But Jared Goff would be picked off by Saints linebacker Alez Anzalone, the second-year defender recording his first career interception, which put the Saints at the Rams’ 34-yard line. Not wasting the opportunity, the Saints would capitalize with a touchdown run by Alvin Kamara to put New Orleans ahead 35-14. The drive was marked by a gritty 10-yard run by Drew Brees on 3rd and 10 from the Rams’ 34.With only 26 seconds left, the Rams would still drive down into Saints’ territory and reach New Orleans’ 39-yard line. Greg Zuerlein would make a 56-yard field goal, narrowing the Rams’ deficit to 18 points, as the Saints still led 35-17.2nd HALFReceiving the ball to start the second half, the Rams once again wasted little time to drive down into the Saints’ red zone. On third down at the 18-yard line, Jared Goff would find running Malcolm Brown for an acrobatic touchdown, giving the Rams a touchdown and narrowing the Saints’ lead to 11 points at 35-24.Trying the answer, the Saints would stall and punt for the first time of the evening (also the first punt of the game for both teams) around Los Angeles’ 40-yard line.The Rams would take the ball at their 16-yard line and drive to the Saints’ 17-yard line before stalling and kicking another field goal, trimming the Saints’ lead to just 8 points. After the Saints had scored 21 straight points, the Rams answer with 13 straight points of their own.The next Saints’ possession would not yield better result than the previous one, with New Orleans driving the ball near midfield but stalling yet again. After compiling 35 points in the first half, the Saints were had now been shutdown in the second half with about 14 minutes left in the game.The Rams would take over at their 17-yard line after the second punt of the night by Thomas Morstead, and drive 83 yards for a touchdown from Jared Goff to Cooper Kupp. Goof would then find tight end Gerald Everett for a two-point try conversion, tying the game at 35. Incredibly, after leading by 21, the Saints were now in a fight to stay in the game.On their third possession of the game, the Saints would finally get reacquainted with the scoreboard Max Unger Jersey , driving into Rams’ territory but settling for a Wil Lutz 54-yard field goal to retake the lead, at 38-35.On the next possession for Los Angeles, the Saints’ defense would finally force a punt by limiting the Rams to the first three-and-out of the game. The Saints would say “thank you,” and find the end zone once again, with Drew Brees connecting with Michael Thomas for a 72-yard touchdown, giving the Saints a 45-35 lead.On the next Rams possession, Los Angeles would start at their own 42-yard line, following an unsportsmanlike penalty on Michael Thomas for using a cell phone prop after his touchdown, as the ghost of Joe Horn floated above the Superdome. The Rams would drive to midfield, but the Saints defense once again would rise up when it mattered and the much-maligned P.J. Williams would breakup a pass intended for former Saints receiver Brandin Cooks, giving the Saints the ball at midfield with a 10-point lead.The Rams would not see the ball again, as the Saints would run out the clock with runs by Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara to close the deal. Saints win 45-35.The Saints have now won seven games in a row, at 7-1 they sit atop the NFC South and have a crucial tiebreaker over the Los Angeles Rams. Laissez les bons temps rouler, y’all!*Here is a quarter by quarter timeline of the game1st QuarterRams win the toss and deferSaints start at their 25-yard lineSaints run Alvin Kamara in the first two playsSaints get into Rams territory on a pass to Michael ThomasSaints go for it on 4th down at the Rams 37 yard line, Taysom Hill convertsSaints get into the red zoneAlvin Kamara runs into the end zone for a touchdownNO: 7 - LAR: 0Rams take over at their 30-yard lineJared Goff finds his tight end Tyler Higbee into Saints territoryRams get into the end zoneTodd Gurley II runs into the end zone for a touchdownNO: 7 - LAR: 7Saints start at their 25-yard lineSaints get into Rams territory on a pass to Michael ThomasSaints get into the red zone on a pass to Benjamin WatsonBrees finds Alvin Kamara for a touchdown passNO: 14 - LAR: 7Rams take over at their 25-yard lineRams get into the Saints red zone in three plays as the quarter ends2nd QuarterRams have a first and goal inside the Saints’ 5-yard lineJared Goff finds Brandin Cooks for a touchdownNO: 14 - LAR: 14Saints take over at their 25-yard lineMark Ingram fumbles the ball, Aaron Donald recovers at the Saints’ 22-yard lineSaints hold the Rams on third downRams run a fake from their field goal formation with punter Johnny HekkerRams fail to pick up the first down, Saints take over at their 12-yard lineSaints get into Rams territory on a fabulous catch by tight end Ben WatsonSaints get into the red zoneDrew Brees finds Tre’Quan Smith for a touchdownNO: 21 - LAR: 14Rams take over at their 25-yard lineRams get into Saints territory in a hurrySaints stop the Rams on third down, forcing a field goal tryGreg Zuerlein misses a 51-yard field goalSaints take over at their 41-yard lineOn one pass, Michael Thomas gets into Rams territorySaints get near the red zone on runs by Alvin Kamara a Mark IngramDrew Brees finds Benjamin Watson for a touchdownNO: 28 - LAR: 14Rams take over at their 25-yard lineAlez Anzalone intercepts Jared GoffSaints take over at the Rams’ 34-yard lineOn 3rd and 10, Brees runs for a first downSaints get into the red zone on a pass to Michael ThomasAlvin Kamara runs into the end zone for a touchdownNO: 35 - LAR: 14Rams take over at their 25-yard lineIn two pass plays, the Rams get into Saints territoryRams get to the Saints’ 39-yard line and attempt a field goalGreg Zuerlein makes a 56 yard field goal as the quarter endsNO: 35 - LAR: 173rd QuarterRams start with the ball at their 23-yard lineRams get into Saints territoryLos Angeles get into the red zoneJared Goff finds Malcolm Brown for a touchdownNO: 35 - LAR: 24Saints take over at their 25-yard lineSaints get into Rams’ territory on a pass to Michael ThomasRams force the Saints’ first punt of the game, and the first punt of the dayRams take over at their own 16-yard lineRams get into Saints territory in a heartbeatSaints force the Rams into a field goal try, Zuerlein makes a 34-yard field goalNO: 35 - LAR: 27Saints take over at their 25-yard lineSaints get a first down to Michael Thomas as the quarter ends4th QuarterSaints stall and are forced to punt againRams take over at their 17-yard lineLos Angeles gets into Saints territoryJared Goff finds Cooper Kupp for a 41-yard touchdownRams convert the two-point conversion to tie the gameNO: 35 - LAR: 35Saints take over at their 25-yard lineSaints get into Rams territory on a pass to Michael ThomasSaints stall and Wil Lutz makes a 54-yard field goalNO: 38 - LAR: 35Rams start at their 25-yard lineSaints stop the Rams on 3rd down and force the Rams’ first puntSaints take over at their 25-yard line with 4:50 left in the gameBrees finds Michael Thomas for a 72-yard touchdownNO: 45 - LAR: 35Michael Thomas uses a cell phone to celebrate and is penalized for 15 yards on the kickoffRams take over at their 42-yard lineRams go for it on 4th and 2 from midfieldP.J. Williams defends the pass and it’s incomplete, Saints take overSaints take over at midfieldSaints go for it on 4th and 1 in Rams’ territory after the two-minute warningAlvin Kamara converts, ending the game.Saints Win Saints Win!!!