From 2012 to 2014, Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan worked daily against Mike Nolan’s defenses in practice.
After serving as the Falcons’ defensive coordinator, Nolan went to the Chargers for the 2015 season and sat out the 2016 season. He had been doing some radio on Sirius XM’s NFL channel before deciding to join the Saints as their linebackers coach.
Under coordinator Dennis Allen, with the help of Nolan, the Saints’ defense is vastly improved and is a major part of the team’s 9-3 record.
The Falcons (7-5) are set to host the Saints at 8:25 p.m. Thursday at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
“One thing I know with Mike is that you’ve got to be prepared for blitzes to come from anywhere,” Ryan said.
Nolan helped the Falcons reach the NFC championship game after the 2012 regular season. But it was his defense that blew a 17-0 lead to Colin Kaepernick and the San Francisco 49ers.
“He’s very smart,” Ryan said. “Very talented defensive guy.”
Ryan doesn’t believe that Nolan has any secrets to share with his Saints defenders.
“Our offense is so much different from the time when Mike was here,” Ryan said. “It’s probably, our protections and everything is very different from when Mike was here.”
The Saints’ defense is led by defensive end Cameron Jordan, who has 10 sacks. Also, Sheldon Rankins, who plays next to Jordan, is having a fine season.
Jordan and Rankins will go against Falcons right tackle Ryan Schraeder and right guard Wes Schweitzer.
“Yeah, I know where they are at,” Ryan said, pointing to his right. “They are doing a good job. Jordan has been a good player for a long time. Their defensive front four has had a really good year. The front seven, in general has done a really good job. Dennis Allen has done a nice job of kind of changing fronts and giving you different looks. They are aggressive.”
Ben Garland is set to start at left guard for the Falcons. Andy Levitre has a triceps injury.
Tyeler Davison (6-2, 309) started at right defensive tackle for the Saints last week and will face Garland.
“We have to be prepared for everybody,” Ryan said. “We have to do a great job at the line of scrimmage.”
Ryan and Saints quarterback Drew Brees have faced each other 17 times. Brees is 10-7 in those matchups.
The Falcons beat the Saints twice last season. The Saints won twice in 2015 and the Falcons won twice in 2014.
It’s usually a high-scoring affair. Last season, the Falcons won 45-32 in New Orleans and 38-32 in Atlanta.
“Drew is unbelievable,” Ryan said. “He’s been so consistent for the 10 years that I’ve been here.”
The Saints are relying on running backs Mark Ingram and rookie Alvin Kamara more.
However, Brees is still lethal. He’s completed 291 of 407 passes for 3,298 yards for 17 touchdowns and five interceptions. He has a passer rating of 104.2.
“I think he’s playing really well right now,” Ryan said. “I know they are running the football well, too. I know that helps when you’ve got a good running game going, it’s huge. He’s an unbelievable competitor. Whenever he’s the quarterback of the team, you know they always have a chance.”
