Six key matchups for the Saints against rival Falcons

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Sep 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Coby Fleener (82) catches the ball prior to the game against the Oakland Raiders at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Coby Fleener vs. the Falcons Linebackers

Coby Fleener has been an enigma. On the one hand, it’s clear why the Saints brought him in. He’s a great route runner, and he’s got elite speed. He’s fluid out of his breaks and looks every bit the receiving threat that he was touted to be.

But then the hands have been like a brick. Against the Giants, Fleener let a concerning amount of passes slip through his fingers, whether he failed to hang on through contact or just plain missed the ball.

But the Falcons have had trouble containing tight ends through two games. They don’t have the linebacker talent to match up with a player like Fleener.

So expect him to be heavily involved in the offense. The question is not whether Brees will look his way, or even whether Fleener can get open. The question is, can he catch the ball, hold on, and make a play. If he can’t, then the Saints may have struck out again in free agency. If he can though, that only makes this Saints offense that much more deadly.