Falcons CB Asante Samuel vs. Saints WR Marques Colston: Samuel didn't play in the first meeting as Robert McClain started at his left cornerback spot. Samuel has battled through a thigh injury, and he has only one interception and three pass breakups as teams have targeted rookie right cornerback Desmond Trufant. Colston got loose for five catches for 68 yards, including a 25-yard touchdown reception in the previous meeting. He has a touchdown in three of the past four meetings with the Falcons.
Falcons LB Sean Weatherspoon vs. Saints RB Darren Sproles: Weatherspoon will play his second game since coming back from a foot sprain suffered in Week 2 against St. Louis. He looked sluggish last week against Tampa Bay and missed several tackles. He finished with seven solos and two assists. In the season opener, Sproles was kept in check running the ball, as he had eight carries for 22 yards. He did his damage in the passing game, with six catches for 88 yards, including a 32-yard gain.
Falcons RB Steven Jackson vs. Saints LB Curtis Lofton: Jackson had a flashback early against Tampa Bay before the Falcons fell behind and had to abandon the run. He ripped off rushes of 15 and 7 yards on the Falcons' first two plays from scrimmage and appeared headed for his first big day with Atlanta. Lofton, a former Falcon, has been one of the mainstays for the Saints. The sure-tackling Lofton leads the team with 77 tackles, according to NFL.com stats.
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