3 Saints who need to thrive in Week 4 vs. the Falcons

The New Orleans Saints are hoping to get back in the win column in Week 4, when they take on the Atlanta Falcons. While it’s important game to win after the tough loss in Week 3, games against the Falcons are always important. The two franchises don’t like each other, so this is more than just a divisional game.

For the Saints to leave Atlanta with a win and bragging rights, they have to play much better than they did in a Week 3. Some big performances from a few players could make that happen.

3. Derek Carr needs to thrive against the Falcons

Derek Carr had his first mediocre game of the season in Week 3. He completed just 14-of-25 passes for 142 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He did lead a clutch drive for a go-ahead touchdown, but he also threw a game-deciding interception after the defense gave up the lead.

It’s important Carr is on his best behavior against Atlanta, because they have a defense that will make you pay for bad decisions. Jessie Bates III and Justin Simmons are two ball-hawking safeties, who will surely take the ball on any ill-advised throws. The Saints can’t afford to give the ball away.

2. Chase Young needs to thrive in Week 4

Chase Young and Carl Granderson have officially forced Cam Jordan into a rotational role. The two young defensive ends have been jumping off the screen, but Young only has half a sack through three games. He does have seven total pressures, but New Orleans will need him to crank things up a notch in Week 4.

Facing off against Atlanta, the Falcons will try to establish the run first, then set Kirk Cousins up to throw from a clean pocket. From a clean pocket, Cousins can deal, and that’s why Young needs to make sure that doesn’t happen. He need to live in the backfield on Sunday, against the run and the pass.

1. The entire Saints offensive line needs to thrive against Falcons

At first, the offensive tackles were going to be highlighted, because they have a tough challenge ahead with Matt Judon, who already has 1.5 sacks in the season. But, thinking back to how the interior offensive line was dominated in Week 3, it’s clear the entire line needs to thrive to give New Orleans a chance to win.

The line needs to help establish the run, and that’s an all-hands-on-deck activity. In pass protection, whether it’s outside or inside, no pressure is good— especially for Derek Carr.

It was clear how great this team came be when the offensive line is playing well, and it’s also been evident how tough things are for the team when the offensive line isn’t playing great. If the damaged o-line group can deliver a solid performance, the Saints should win.

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