Streaking Saints, Brees seek to melt Falcons

NEW ORLEANS (AP) – The last chance for Saints fans to show Drew Brees their gratitude for the many memorable and triumphant moments he has brought them is Thanksgiving night.

The Saints (9-1) have a run of nine consecutive wins at the NFL summit, while their rival, the Atlanta Falcons (4-6), lands in New Orleans. So do not expect a sleepy crowd at the Superdome, no matter if -nourris.

Some 13 seasons after Brees rose to the challenge of resurrecting an oppressed franchise in a city devastated by a disaster, his level of play at age 39 seems to have reached a record high.

He is about to beat his record high of 72% in one season. Its interception landing ratio is 25-1. And the Saints, averaging 37.9 points per game, threaten to score more points in a season than any team in NFL history.

"It has been as difficult as you can imagine," said Falcons coach Dan Quinn, adding that he had been particularly struck by the accuracy and determination of Brees. & # 39; "To say it's doing it better than ever – it's been doing it pretty well for a long time, but I'd say it's certainly doing it too."

With the luxury of a solid offensive line and a running game – not to mention playing with a lot of tracks – Brees was able to launch selectively and efficiently. He also benefited from year-round monster receiver Michael Thomas, but showed up in a 48-7 win over Philadelphia on Sunday that he could connect, with a prolific effect, to targets. younger and less known.

"There is a lot to be said about the experience," said Brees, smiling, echoing an old phrase about wisdom that outweighed youth and skills.

"When we enter the field, I feel I can see it before it happens and it takes a lot of work to get to that point. This does not mean that there are no surprises. … but I feel good about playing the game right now. & # 39; & # 39;

The Falcons do not feel so good in their season until now. Their loss to Dallas last Sunday cost them five games behind the NFC Saints in the south, six games behind them.

"We have to eliminate the bad taste from our mouth," said Julio Jones, the receiver of Atlanta. & # 39; & # 39; It's going to be a good match. We are going to have fun. People will fly. People will get up. You do not have to worry that people are not ready to play this game … We will just swing. & # 39; & # 39;

Some other important stories surrounding the 100th meeting between Falcons and Saints:

COMPETITIVE BALANCE

While the teams are scattered in the standings, they played very well during their previous meeting in the third week in Atlanta. New Orleans needed a late TD to force overtime and won overtime. The Saints are almost TD's two favorites in the rematch, which would seem appropriate given that New Orleans outclassed their last two combined opponents 99-21. But the experience of Brees against Atlanta tells him the opposite.

"These are always tough games," said Brees. "These are games that usually boil down to the last possession."

Cameron Jordan, the defensive end of the Saints, added: "They could be offended at the ceiling. … that's something we need to be aware of. & # 39; & # 39;

THE BEASLEY RENAISSMENT

Vic Beasley Jr., the NFL leader in 2016 with more than 15 bags, finally regained form with two sacks against the Cowboys last week. Beasley has had five sacks in 2017 and only one among the first nine games of Atlanta this year. The Falcons hope the resurgence of Beasley will continue this week against Brees. "We need to find ways to put pressure on," said coach Dan Quinn. "Its effectiveness without being touched or moving is so high."

COMMON SAINTS

If Alvin Kamara fails to match the match's 190-yard rush against Atlanta in the third week, it may have less to do with the Atlanta defense than with the return of strong offensive midfielder Mark Ingram . Ingram had not played at the previous meeting because of a four-game suspension stemming from his positive test for a banned substance. In their last two games, the Saints have averaged 208.5 yards, while Ingram has rushed for more than 100 yards.

NO. 1 RECEIVER

Jones's dryness to touch is over. He has TD shots in three straight games, with none of the top seven. This does not mean that it has not been productive since the beginning. Jones leads the NFL with 1,158 yards.

The story continues