Keys to Beating Atlanta:

Before the game last night I wasn't feeling confident although the Saints have owned them.

The defense played a terrible line, arguably the worst, but they showed improvement. And, they caused some turnovers. We are sitting at dead even in the plus minus category with 11 take aways and 11 giveaways, which is better than majority.

The pressure was great from the line, and more of that will be needed. Cam Jordan should get a lot of confidence after that game. Atlanta has a good line, but the Saints will have chances to hit Ryan.

Last night also showed the return of a running game, which is what it will take for this offense to get the win. They give up nearly 130 yards rushing a game and the Saints could definitely match that. Most importantly it makes Brees more accurate and less likely to turn the ball over. Atlanta is +10 in give/take. Similar to how the Saints were in 09, they are catching some breaks defensively.

I think if the Saints establish a running game, Brees lights them up and pours points on them. Atlanta has struggled running the ball and has been fairly one dimensional, which is great for the Saints, although they will still probably be gashed at times. At least it's not a shifty runner like McCoy or Charles. Matt Ryan seems to turnover the ball against the Saints, and I have a feeling he will give at least one up. It'll be up to the offense to keep them off the field and take away their flow.

If the Saints play smart balanced ball, I really like our chances.