There will be a tense atmosphere on Monday Night Football in Week 4 when the New Orleans Saints host bitter rival Atlanta Falcons on the 20th anniversary of the Saints’ return to New Orleans is observed.
It’s sure to be an electrifying atmosphere for a meaningful return to primetime for the Saints when they lock horns with the Falcons for the 114th time in the NFL’s history during the regular season.
Quarterbacks Tyler Shough of the Saints and Michael Penix Jr. of the Falcons will be under a microscope all game long, two of the most exciting young signal callers in the league. But there will be other key matchups that will help to decide this emotional game on the national stage.
Saints WR Chris Olave vs. Falcons CBs CJ Henderdon and Mike Hughes
With top Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell on injured reserve, he won’t be available for this game. That means that Saints wideout Chris Olave will have a chance to continue his explosive start to the season against cornerbacks C.J. Henderson and Mike Hughes when he lines up on the outside. He’ll also draw nickel corner Billy Bowman Jr. in the slot.
Olave currently ranks No. 2 in the NFL in receiving yards and will be looking, along with Shough, to continue the upward trajectory of the season for the Saints’ passing offense.
Falcons RB Bijan Robinson vs. Saints’ defensive front
There isn’t a more pivotal offensive player for the Saints to stop than explosive rusher Bijan Robinson. The entire defensive front seven will have to be on point in order to limit the back’s ability to break the game wide open with both his rushing and receiving abilities.
New Orleans fared well against Robinson in Week 18 last year, but will have to keep up that momentum in order to keep this year’s first matchup between the division rivals manageable.
Saints EDGE Chase Young vs. Falcons LT Jake Matthews
The Saints’ pass rusher has been a one-man wrecking crew when it comes to the defensive line. Edge rusher Chase Young is off to a disruptive and destructive start with 3.5 sacks in three games. He’s already matched up with elite-level tackles and won consistently.
His next top-tier opponent will be Atlanta left tackle Jake Matthews. Per Pro Football Focus, the tackle has had a rough start to open the season, however, surrendering two sacks in the opening game against the PIttsburgh Steelers. Against the Carolina Panthers and Green Bay Packers, he fared much better. But Young will be the best pass rusher Matthews has faced since Week 1.
