Saints vs. Falcons: 5 Halftime Adjustments Atlanta Must Make

The Falcons are coming into this game hot, riding a three-game winning streak, and another one would give them a slight lead in the NFC South. But the current division leaders, the 6-3 Saints, aren't going to let it happen easily.

So far, this first half has been surprisingly defensive, as neither side has been able to get a lot going on offense. But with these two passing attacks, I don't think the low scoring will last long. Michael Turner has looked good so far and Drew Brees is carrying the Saints, even though his receivers have been dropping passes left and right.

Once this game does break out into a more offensive battle, it's going to come down to who can execute better in the red zone.

Here are five big halftime adjustments the Falcons must make:

1. Get to Brees

Sooner or later, the Saints' offense is going to get hot. It's not an "if," it's a "when." And naturally, that passing attack will be led by Brees. He's a great passer, but even he does sometimes make mistakes when pressured. He will make a mistake if he's constantly being blitzed. It's just a matter of whether or not the Falcons take advantage of it.

That being said, this Falcons D really needs to get in his face and make him think about getting his feet moving and trying to squeeze in a ball where it can be picked. If it can get to Brees and make a hit in the pocket, it could shake him up enough to make a mistake.

2. Pound the Ball More

We know what Matt Ryan can do with the ball through the air, but they need Turner to continue to step it up and complement him. If they don't mix it up, the Saints can start to slowly take away the passing game and build a lead.

Mix in Turner even more and keep the defense honest, so they can start running some play-action passes that might get a receiver open behind the secondary. Right now, the Falcons are being too predictable, and it's hurting them.

3. Get a Turnover

What better way to get this home crowd going crazy, swing the momentum and get a chance at some points, than a turnover? As I mentioned earlier, they need to get to Brees and get some knockdowns or sacks.

If they can get in his face, they may be able to force a sack and fumble, or a bad throw into traffic that someone can pick off. As the offenses seem to be stalling in this first half, one of these defenses needs to make a big play. Why not Atlanta?

4. Extend the Field

The Falcons have the weapons to take a couple shots down field, and we have not seen enough of it. Why not run a play-action pass, see if Roddy White or Julio Jones get open down the sidelines, and just go for it? That would completely change this game.

Atlanta definitely has the players to make a big play happen, it's just a matter of executing at this point. Ryan needs to find a way to spread the love to his receivers and get the field opened up a little bit. At the very least, it gives Turner more room to run.

5. Hit Julio and Roddy

The two guys I just mentioned, Jones and White, are not seeing nearly enough action thrown their way. They definitely need to get more targets, because we know the Saints' secondary isn't blanketing them that well. 

At the two-minute warning, they have a combined two catches for 23 yards. If the Falcons want to put some points up, they really need to get their two most explosive receivers involved. It's an embarrassment of riches at that position for the Falcons; use them!