JACKSON: Saints have opportunity to galvanize fans vs. Falcons

By Ross Jackson

There have been a ton of developments impacting the New Orleans Saints’ rivalry matchup with the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta’s quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., is set to be out for the game after being placed on Injured Reserve with a potential season-ending injury. Meanwhile, wide receiver Drake London is expected to miss the Week 12 game in New Orleans with an injury of his own. 

Now, the Saints have momentum and a health advantage in a game that every member of the Who Dat Nation wants the team to win. It’s an opportunity that New Orleans cannot fumble, one that could galvanize the fanbase with just seven games remaining in the season.

The Saints are coming off of not just the bye week, but their second win of the season against the Carolina Panthers. The organization feels very confident in the play of rookie quarterback Tyler Shough and the audience will be looking for a reason to believe in the team’s vision of its future.

A statement win against the Falcons, which would send Atlanta to the bottom of the division, would go a long way in establishing some confidence in the team’s path forward.

With a standout rookie class, a favorable draft position, and a chance to prove they can keep winning while taking down their biggest rival, Week 12 shapes up as a must-win for New Orleans.

During the bye week, Saints’ owner Gayle Benson made it clear that she’s not looking to replace general manager Mickey Loomis before he gets a shot at the team’s latest rebuild attempt. 

A win against Atlanta might prove that the rebuild can already compete within the division, buying time for the team to continue its trajectory in 2026. However, lose this game and questions will continue about whether or not the new era of the team is headed in the right direction.