It's Saints week, and the Atlanta Falcons' week 10 matchup is now under way in the Georgia Dome. As far as injuries are concerned, the Falcons will be without safety William Moore due to injury. James Sanders will start in his place. On the other side, the Saints will be without middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma, who was ruled out earlier in the week.
Right out of the gate, the Falcons put together a very impressive opening drive- one that spanned 15 plays and took over seven minutes off the clock, no less- that only produced three points. Michael Turner and the offensive line were dominant, as Turner carried the ball eight times for 39 yards, but a couple of incompletions by Matt Ryan and a false start on Will Svitek would limit the Falcons to a Matt Bryant field goal.
The Saints' first possession produced similar results. After a 39-yard return by Darren Sproles, Drew Brees quickly passed his way down into Falcons territory. However, a great play by Stephen Nicholas to stop Mark Ingram in the backfield, coupled with a third-down drop by Jimmy Graham, limited the Saints to a field goal as well.
On their next possession, the Falcons wouldn't find as much success, quickly going three-and-out. Ryan's second-down pass was deflected at the line, and on third-down his check down pass to Jacquizz Rodgers came up short of the first. Through one quarter of play, the Falcons are tied 3-3 with their division rivals.
For more on Sunday's game, check out The Falcoholic, SB Nation's Atlanta Falcons blog, and Canal Street Chronicles, SB Nation's New Orleans Saints blog.