A look at how the Falcons’ offensive line matches up against the Saints’ defensive line:
Falcons’ starters
Left tackle Will Svitek, left guard Justin Blalock, center Todd McClure, right guard Joe Hawley and right tackle Tyson Clabo.
Falcons’ key reserves
Tackle Kirk Chambers, guard Garrett Reynolds and center Brett Romberg.
Saints’ starters
Left end Cameron Jordan, nose tackle Shaun Rogers, defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis and right end Will Smith.
Saints’ key reserves
Ends Junior Gallette and Turk McBride, and tackles Aubrayo Franklin and Tom Johnson.
Matchup to watch:
Hawley and Ellis
The Falcons have used four different starting lineups this season because of injuries to McClure and left tackle Sam Baker. They also made a change at right guard last week. Hawley, a center by trade, will make his second start at right guard. He’ll see Ellis, an emerging star, who had 10 tackles earlier against Houston on Sept. 25.
The Falcons have given up 18 sacks, but only five in their past six games.
The unit has paved the way for the rushing attack that has averaged 119 yards per game, which is tied for 13th in the NFL.
“Obviously, it’s going to be a challenge,” Clabo said. “They are pretty good. They’ve got the young guy, Jordan, who’s coming around. He looks like a good physical player. Of course, Will Smith is a hell of a defensive end. They’ve got Aubrayo Franklin now. Shaun Rogers now and obviously Ellis. They are a really good unit.”
The Saints have allowed 119.7 yards rushing per game, which ranks 17th in the league. They have generated 20 sacks, but safety Roman Harper is the team leader, with 5.5. Smith is tops along the defensive line with 4.5.
Jordan, a rookie who was the 24th pick overall in the first round, has started all nine games. He has 40 tackles, but no sacks.
“Cam has come in and has done a very good job,” Saints coach Sean Payton said. “There are a lot of things that he’s still learning on the run, but he’s big and strong. He’s giving us good play each week.”
