While the Atlanta Falcons hold a special level of hate for New Orleans, it is easy to feel sorry for a once-proud franchise. Rarely has a fan base been so deserving of this level of misery; however, injuries are the one thing that fans should never wish for.
Even when it comes to the hated Saints, Atlanta wants to beat the NFC South doormat at their absolute best. While we are still months away from the regular season, the Saints have already received frustrating injury news. Quarterback Jake Haener suffered an oblique injury and is expected to miss time as OTAs kick into high gear around the league.
The injury serves as yet another reminder of how slim the quarterback room is in New Orleans. After Derek Carr's surprise retirement, the Saints are left with Tyler Shough, Haener and Spencer Rattler. Never has a group been such an obvious tanking attempt. Perhaps the only downside for Atlanta is that this trio is likely to result in New Orleans receiving a top-three pick next season and a chance to find a franchise quarterback.
Even When Fully Healthy, the Saints Have Zero Chance of NFC South Contention
For the Falcons, this does open a unique opportunity to take hold of a division that is a two-team race. Even when Haener is healthy, the New Orleans quarterback room is the worst in the league. Many of the league's second options would instantly be starting for the Saints. The team's decision to reach for Shough simply isn't going to age well.
The NFC South is going to come down to a race between Tampa Bay and Atlanta, with the Saints the doormat of the division. The team's refusal to embrace a reset is finally going to catch up with them. Since Sean Payton and Drew Brees left the franchise, it has been clear which direction the team has needed to take.
Stubbornly kicking the can down the road, the franchise has moved money into the future in hopes of keeping an already closed window of contention. Haener's injury serves as a reminder of just how bleak things have gotten in New Orleans and what a huge opportunity lies in front of Atlanta in the NFC South.