The Saints’ defense has descended to the bottom of the NFL since the Bountygate penalties.
Despite having one of the league’s most prolific offenses, the Saints are set to miss the playoffs for the third consecutive season.
The Saints give up 27.7 points per game (30th in the league), 369.4 yards (25th), 270.5 yards passing (30th) and have a turnover differential of minus-2 (22nd).
“I also studied some of their defense,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. “They’re not allowing the explosive plays and they’re playing good run defense, so we recognize it’s going to be a battle.”
Since the pay-for-hit program was disbanded, the Saints’ defense has ranked 31st, fourth (coach Sean Payton’s return from suspension), 28th, 32nd and 30th.
In the previous meeting this year, the Falcons pulled away by scoring touchdowns on five consecutive drives on their way to a 45-32 victory.
Running back Devonta Freeman ran for a season-high 152 yards on 14 carries as the Falcons amassed 217 yards rushing. He also led the Falcons with five receptions for 55 yards.
However, Saints defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who took over for Rob Ryan late last season, has been credited with incremental improvement.
The Saints gave 33.6 points per game through the first five games, going 2-3 in that stretch, including the loss to the Falcons.
A 10-point dropoff for opposing teams occurred over the next five games.
The Saints have allowed 28 points or fewer in six of their past seven games.
