After facing unproven NFL quarterbacks in four of the first five games, the Falcons’ secondary will need to embody coach Dan Quinn’s fast and physical style against New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees.
The Falcons have played Philadelphia’s Sam Bradford, Dallas’ Brandon Weeden, Houston’s Ryan Mallett and Washington’s Kirk Cousins. New York’s Eli Manning is the only elite quarterback they’ve faced.
Brees has completed 66.5 percent of his passes (tied for 18th in the league) and has a 93.8 passer rating (18th).
“Drew Brees is one of the best in the NFL,” Falcons defensive coordinator Richard Smith said. “He manages everything from the line of scrimmage. We have quite a challenge this week.”
The Falcons’ pass rush has only six sacks, which ranks tied for 29th in the league with the Texans and Colts.
Cornerback Robert Alford respects the Saints’ passing attack, even though they traded tight end Jimmy Graham over the offseason.
Alford hasn’t seen a drop in Brees’ skills as he’s had to battle a shoulder injury that caused him to miss one game.
“Drew Brees has been one of the top five quarterbacks in the NFL for a long time,” Alford said. “He’s that for a reason, you can’t put (anything) past him.”
The Falcons must be aware of Brees’ pump fakes.
“It’s something that he has in his game,” Alford said. “It’s something that you have to be prepared for on game day.”
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