"We Dat!": Atlanta's New Rally Cry For Falcons Nation

"Who dat say dey gon beat dem Saints?" - New Orleans Saints 1983

"They say 'who dat ?', n***a we dat !" Young Jeezy 2008

The Atlanta Falcons franchise was founded in 1966, bringing the NFL to the south. A year later, the Falcons were given their first true rival, the New Orleans Saints.

The Saints have adopted a chant that dated back to the nineteenth century vaudeville era. The question, "Who dat?", was first posed in minstrel acts at the turn of the century. E.E Rice is credited with the first "Who dat?" reference in the song "Who Dat Say Chicken in Dis Crowd?".

In 1983, when the Saints, under Bum Phillips, started winning, New Orleans started chanting "Who dat? Who dat? Who dat say dey gon beat dem Saints?"

Atlanta fans have the answer to that question.

"We dat !"

Though both teams have a less-than-impressive resume, there is one thing that can't be taken away, team pride. New Orleans fans are well known for their spirit while Atlanta fans are often overlooked.

During the Falcons 1998 season that culminated with their first and only Super Bowl appearance, Atlanta fans and players adopted the nickname "Dirty Birds". The nickname gave Falcons Nation a feeling of solidarity.

Now it's time to come together under the banner of "We dat !"

Who has beaten the Saints more times than any NFL team?

We dat !

Who's going to stop the Saints undefeated streak in 2009?

We dat !

Who dat say de gon beat dem Saints?

We dat !

On Sunday, December 13, the Atlanta Falcons will host the (most likely) still undefeated New Orleans Saints. This is the same Saints team that narrowly defeated the Falcons in Week Seven.

It's time for Atlanta to show New Orleans who is truly the best team in the South. It's time for Falcons Nation to make a name for themselves. It's time for the Atlanta Falcons to be heard.

We dat !