Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints Preview

By John Onan | Saturday, October 15, 2005 | ( 0 )

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Though listed as a home game for the New Orleans Saints, many of the 65,000 that flock to the Alamo Dome in San Antonio on Sunday are no doubt looking forward to seeing one of the most exciting players in the NFL, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick.

Vick returned to practice this week, and is likely to get the start after sitting out last week against New England with a knee strain. Backup Matt Schaub took his place, but was unable to lead the Falcons over the two-time defending Super Bowl Champs, as they rallied from behind but lost 31-28. Vick is completing 57 % of his passes for 495 yards and four touchdowns, but when healthy, is also a threat taking off running out of the pocket.

Considering Vick's injury, running back Warrick Dunn, who has 477 yards and one score on the year, may be the focus of coach Jim Mora's run oriented offense. If the Saints 28th ranked rushing defense doesn't do a better job, Dunn and T.J. Duckett could both have huge days.

New Orleans not only lost in a big way last week, 52-3 to the Green Bay Packers, but also their best player.
Running back Deuce McAllister suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, which has put him on the shelf for the rest of the year. Antowain Smith will be counted on to help fill the void in the backfield.
This will put even more pressure on quarterback Aaron Brooks, who has been such a disappointment, he is in danger of losing his spot to backup Todd Bouman. He has thrown for 1084 yards on the year with two touchdowns, but has been intercepted seven times.

A win for the 3-2 Falcons would keep them right on the heels on NFC South leader Tampa Bay, while for the 2-3 Saints, they've shown a lot of toughness since being displaced by Hurricane Katrina, and now must deal with life without their All-Pro running back.

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