It's Falcons Hate Week, and as the Saints get ready to play the Falcons in the Superdome on Sunday, the defense is now having to prepare to face the Dirty Birds' backup quarterback.
"This offense was built for Michael Penix," NFL analyst Mike Detillier said about the Falcons first-string quarterback moments after the team announced he will miss Sunday's game with a knee injury.
Penix's injury will force the Falcons to start backup Kirk Cousins. According to Detillier, Cousins's own history with injuries could benefit the Saints defense.
"(His injuries) have certainly drained him of virtually all of the mobility skills that he once had--his ability to get away from pressure," Detillier said.
Detillier believes the Saints defense should be able to put pressure on Cousins early and often because the Falcons will also be without their top receiver.
"He also won't have Drake London, who is their biggest outside threat," Detillier said, adding that the Penix's and London's absences will force the Falcons to change their game plan. "I think there's going to be much more adept to them wanting to run the football more, control the clock, and limit the number of passes Kirk Cousins throws downfield."
Detillier says London's absence will allow the Saints to use one of the defensive backs in blitz situations more frequently.
"You can go one-on-one with receivers, which gives you the option to send Alontae Taylor much more as a blitzer," Detillier said.
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