Key matchups: Falcons at Saints

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Falcons CB Dominique Franks vs. Saints WR Marques Colston: Franks has started the last three games at left corner and slid down inside to play in the slot in the nickel package. He held up against rookie quarterbacks T.J. Yates, Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert. This will be his first action against an elite NFL quarterback in New Orleans’ Drew Brees. In the previous game with Atlanta, Colston caught eight passes for 113 yards. All of his receptions went for first downs and three were third down conversions.

Falcons RDE John Abraham vs. Saints LT Jermon Bushrod: Abraham is coming off his best game of the season. He had 3.5 sacks and forced two fumbles that turned into 10 points. Abraham has been playing hurt for most of the season. He leads the Falcons with 8.5 sacks and appears to be fully recovered from a groin injury. Bushrod, who has a 42-pound advantage, didn’t allow a sack in the previous game.

Falcons RT Tyson Clabo vs. Saints LDE Cameron Jordan: Jordan, a rookie who was the 24th pick overall in the first round, has started all 14 games, 12 at left end. He has 53 tackles, four passes defensed and one fumble recovery, but no sacks. “He did some really good things against me last time, so I’m going to have to counter that,” said Clabo, who went to the Pro Bowl last season as an alternate.