The Falcons will enter Sunday’s game with a clear advantage in red-zone offense against the Saints’ red-zone defense.
The Falcons rank No. 2 in the NFL in red-zone offense while the Saints rank last in red-zone defense.
The Falcons have scored 147 points on 28 trips inside the 20-yard line. They’ve scored 18 touchdowns and made seven field goals. The Falcons’ touchdown percentage (64.3) ranks second in the NFL.
The Saints have yielded 15 touchdowns in 21 opponents’ possessions inside the 20-yard line (71.4 percent).
The combination of running back Michael Turner and tight end Tony Gonzalez has been lethal. They each have five red-zone touchdowns. Wide receiver Roddy White also is a red-zone factor with three touchdowns.
“Whether if we’re in the red zone or we’re out in the middle of the field, we feel like we’ve got a number of options,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said.
The Saints spent extra time in the practice the past two weeks on their red-zone defense.
“The goal defensively, when teams get inside that 20- and 15-yard line, is to force the field goal,” said Saints coach Sean Payton, who’s 8-2 against the Falcons. “There is a lot that goes into that, it’s playing the run effectively, not giving up the big plays in the passing game. Also we’ve had some penalties that have continued drives.”
