Atlanta Falcons: 5 Players to Watch vs. Saints on TNF

Drew Brees is one of the most prolific passers in NFL history. Though he’s Canton bound, are we starting to see the beginning of the end of Brees’ dominance as a quarterback in the NFL? Brees has dealt with a sore rotator cuff this season and doesn’t have his usually reliable receiving targets to throw to.

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That’s where DE Jonathan Babineaux and the improving Atlanta Falcons’ pass rush come into play. Like Matt Ryan, Brees will throw a dumb interception every so often. Sometimes they come in bunches. Should the Atlanta Falcons’ pass rush make Brees slightly uncomfortable in the pocket, I think Atlanta can force a turnover on the greatest quarterback in New Orleans Saints franchise history.

Babineaux is thriving in Dan Quinn’s 4-3 Under scheme. He is a crucial part of the nickel defensive package with fellow Iowa Hawkeye DE Adrian Clayborn and rookie OLB from Clemson Vic Beasley.

Should the Atlanta Falcons’ run defense force Brees and company into obvious pass rushing situations, I like for Jonathan Babineaux to record a sack in this game, possibly a forced fumble. While it has normally been the linebacker corps that ignites the spark within the defense, I think it will start with the pass rush in Week 6.

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