Saints, Falcons Getting Ready To Square Off

The Saints are gearing up for a big NFC South showdown against the Atlanta Falcons.

New Orleans radio color analyst Hokie Gajan says for the Black and Gold to leave the Georgia Dome with a win on Monday night they'll need to run the ball better and stop the Falcons punishing ground attack. The Saints rushed for only 27 yards last week in a loss to Baltimore. New Orleans was without its leading rusher, Chris Ivory, who missed that game with a hamstring injury. Gajan says its hard to tell if Ivory will play against the Falcons. The Falcons have the best record in the NFC with a 12-2 record. They've won eight in a row and big reason why is the play of quarterback Matt Ryan, who has thrown only nine interceptions this season. Gajan says Ryan is one of the best young QB's in the NFL.

Meanwhile, Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith admits its not easy to prepare for the Super Bowl champs. Smith expects a chess match between the Falcons defense and Drew Brees. The Falcons can clinch the NFC South with a win over the Saints. Smith expects a highly competitive contest.