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that the Falcons, regardless of what the Saints fans say are indeed a very good team. It's why they aren't talking shite about the Panthers or Bucs on a constant basis

I agree that the Falcons are a good team, anyone denying that is Leo from What's Eating Gilbert Grape level retard, The Saints and Falcons are in my opinion the 2 teams that will fight for the NFC South crown for the next few years. They are still just a lot better than the other 2 teams in the divison.

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To constantly have discussions about the Falcons and what we do/don't do shows that the Saints are at least thinking of the Falcons as contenders in the back of their minds.

I think the Falcons are contenders, but I still wouldn't bet money on them in the playoffs. The fact that they won a playoff game this season will do 1 of 2 things; It will either give them confidence going forward, or it will mess with their psyche even more because of blowing a 17 point lead in the NFC championship. I still believe they will be a playoff team next season FWIW. Gonzalez, if gone for sure, will certainly hurt the team some though.

The trash talk between both teams has really heated up, more so than ever over the past few seasons, because they are both now relevant, top teams in the NFC. It might not be regarded as the best rivalry in the league, and I think that is just due to the Saints getting the best of the Falcons in the respective Smith/Ryan, Payton/Brees eras, which both transformed joke franchises into relevant, good teams. However, I can't think of two fan-bases that hate each mother as much as these two, reminds me of college ball when they play. The games between these two teams next season will be bigger than ever, especially the primetime slot they will get.

I'm more than glad that Coach Payton is back, and I expect the team to come out with a vengeance. I also expect defensive needs to be met, and cap management to be handled, Loomis is a wizard. Next season can't come soon enough.

This post was edited on 1/22/13 at 12:29 pm