Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, who is 2-3 in starts against New Orleans, hopes to pull to .500 and help the Falcons overtake the Saints for first place in the NFC South on Sunday.

Here’s a brief Q&A involving Ryan and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s D. Orlando Ledbetter.

Q: Have you been indoctrinated in the Falcons-Saints rivalry?

A: Every time we play them, whether it be here at the Georgia Dome or down there in New Orleans, it's a battle. It's a 60-minute battle, and that's where our mindset is at right now, trying to get ready for that.

Q: What’s your take on Saints safety Roman Harper?

A: Roman's doing a very good job. He's a big part of their blitz package. We've got to understand where he's at. He's a very physical player and good in coverage, too. So he's somebody that we'll have to identify.

Q: How’s Saints defensive back Malcolm Jenkins coming along?

A: He's got good ball skills in the secondary, really good speed, really good transition. He can fly from sideline to sideline from the middle of the field. I think he's doing a really good job.

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Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) runs the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Minneapolis. (Mike Stewart/AP)

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