Atlanta Falcons Can Win a Game of Inches Against New Orleans Saints

It is a good thing that football games are played on the field. The oddsmakers and the computer simulations give the Atlanta Falcons two chances to win: slim and none.

It is ironic that this rematch, where Drew Brees is vying to surpass the single-season record for passing yards, is being played in a game that is determined by the little things. The cliché that football is a game of inches is true.

In Week 10 the Falcons and Saints battled to overtime in a close game between the NFC South rivals. It may surprise you that quarterback Matt Ryan had more yards passing in that game than Drew Brees.

Both teams are coming off wins in rare fashion. The Falcons and Saints had their respective games in hand to the point that each team's quarterback was pulled well before the end of the contest.

The Atlanta Falcons can defeat the New Orleans Saints by playing solid, error-free football.

In their last meeting, Roddy White had two costly penalties and so did Eric Weems. In fact, there were 10 penalties for 85 yards.

Matty Ice had an uneven game and Mr. Reliable, Matt Bryant, missed a field goal.

Then there was the bad play call challenge by Coach Mike Smith. Combine that with the unforgettable and controversial decision to go for it on fourth down on the Falcons' own 29-yard line in overtime.

I can truly say the Falcons are playing much better now than in Week 10. I am sure the game will be played much cleaner and with fewer errors.

Drew Brees may get his record (he needs 305 yards), but the Atlanta Falcons will take care of the little things and win this game of inches.