Falcons vs Saints: 4 Rookies in the Spotlight on Monday Night Football

When the Week 16 Monday night game kicks off between the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints, we will be watching two teams from the NFC South that have clinched a playoff berth.

That being said, it's also possible for a third match between the two to occur in the NFC's Wild Card round. And with the division still at stake, some rookies need to step up.

So, here are four guys to look for in the Superdome.

Julio Jones: WR, Falcons

Of all the rookies listed here, Atlanta's Julio Jones is definitely the most appealing.

He was a top 10 pick, has done work all year (755 yards on 42 receptions, five TDs) and has made a significant impact on the Falcons' offensive improvements.

Jones helps setup the ground game for RB Michael Turner and derives attention away from Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez, which then provides Matt Ryan with favorable matchups when targeting downfield.

Against the Saints, he needs to have a big game. The first time it was just two catches for nine yards, and he left after an injury. So this time around, expect Jones to be hungry and anxious to throttle the Saints' No. 28-ranked pass defense. For the Dirty Birds to have a shot, he must be a major contributor.

Cameron Jordan: DE, Saints

New Orleans may have a weak pass defense, but the production of DE Cameron Jordan will be necessary to slow down Atlanta's potent attack.

With Sedrick Ellis, Shaun Rodgers and Will Smith working in the middle and on the other side of him, to really shutdown the Falcons, Jordan needs to step up, causing pressure from both sides and simply just disrupting the timing of Matt Ryan.

Being that he's just a rookie, Jordan has decent numbers (26 tackles, four pass-deflects), but he doesn't have any sacks. If that continues on Monday night, Atlanta will dominate the Saints' vulnerable pass defense.

Jordan must get pressure both inside and out on Ryan, as well as on shutdown RB Michael Turner anytime Turner runs the rock to his side.

Then, his ability to drop off into coverage will create confusion and manipulation for Atlanta, thus giving the Saints a strategic edge.

Akeem Dent: LB, Falcons

Whenever Akeem Dent gets into the game, he must dominate. Period.

Against a spread offense like the Saints, which also has the ability to run the ball quite well, the Falcons need their LBs to step up.

Dent may only have 17 tackles and two forced fumbles on the year, but that's not bad for a backup LB to a solid player like Curtis Lofton.

On Monday night, though, Dent's contributions will be needed to shield New Orleans' intermediate passing game, as well as to help isolate their ground game. The Saints are balanced and like to keep you honest.

For the Dirty Birds to slow them down, using Dent in passing and short-yardage situations will only provide the Falcons defense will more man-power to match New Orleans.

As long as they don't ask too much of him and don't have Dent feel as if there's any pressure to produce, especially against a team like the Saints, he can and will be a factor.

Isa Abdul-Quddus: Safety, Saints

New Orleans rookie safety Isa Abdul-Quddus may not be a starter, but he's a beast when present on the field.

This season, he's forced four fumbles which is really enough to warrant a solid presence. Against the Falcons on Monday, though, his ability to force turnovers and lock down coverage will be needed.

Atlanta has a number of solid receiving targets in Julio Jones, Roddy White, Tony Gonzalez and Harry Douglas for Matt Ryan to zone on.

That being said, however, Quddus' physicality and football IQ will come into play in most, if not all, nickel and dime situations. Being that he can cause turnovers, it would be surprising to see him playing back deep.

Keeping him near the box to jam WRs, blitz and help with run support would definitely suffice. Any way you slice it, however, if Isa doesn't make himself as a present defensive force in this game, the Falcons will move the ball at a fast and consistently high pace.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @Sportswriter27