Falcons RB Steven Jackson vs. Saints LB Curtis Lofton: Jackson averaged 4.6 yards per carry last week against Pittsburgh, but the Falcons had to move away from the run after falling behind 20-7. Jackson has rushed 186 times for 689 yards and six touchdowns this season. He's the NFL's leading active rusher, with 11,379 career rushing yards. Lofton, a former Falcon, has 130 tackles, according to NFL.com stats. Lofton also has forced a fumble and recovered one. "Steven, for his size, he has great feet and great balance," Lofton said. "He's definitely been running really hard this year. It's going to take us getting all 11 men to the ball to bring him down."
Falcons CB Robert McClain vs. Saints WR Marques Colston: McClain is a fighter. He's been playing much better outside than in the slot, according to defensive coordinator Mike Nolan. He had a key interception in the end zone in the previous meeting to kill a Saints' red-zone threat. Colston's size presents a mismatch against the scrappy McClain that Drew Brees will try to exploit. Colston has 51 catches for 771 yards and four touchdown grabs. Colston aims for his fourth game in row at home against Atlanta with a touchdown. He had five catches for 110 yards in Week 1.
Falcons RT Ryan Schraeder vs. Saints OLB Junior Gallette: Schraeder is holding his own in the run game and hasn't been a liability in pass protection. Gallette was held to one quarterback hit in the Falcons' season-opening 37-34 overtime win over the Saints. He leads the Saints with nine sacks. Gallette has 15 sacks in his past 18 games, including two sacks and forced fumble last week against Chicago. He has 13 sacks in past 15 games at home.
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