In the Falcons’ 20-17 win over the Saints on Dec. 7, the defense might have played its best game of the season.
The Falcons held the high-flying Saints to season lows in total yards (306), points (17) and rushing yards (50). The rematch with the league’s No. 1 offense is 1 p.m. Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
If the Falcons win, they clinch a playoff berth and have a chance to play for the NFC South title the following week.
The Saints lead the league in total offense at 401.5 yards per game. The Falcons’ defense gives up 323.6 yards per game, which ranks ninth in the league.
“It’s a whole new ball game,” Falcons defensive end Adrian Clayborn said.
The Falcons were able to sack Saints quarterback Drew Brees twice in the previous game.
“I feel like we are playing well together pass-rush wise,” said Clayborn, who leads the team in sacks with nine. “Run-wise we are just learning and understanding offenses and what they are trying to do to us and capitalizing off that.”
The Falcons still have an ample amount of respect for Brees.
“He can still get the ball off when he’s on the run,” Clayborn said.
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