That's one of the worst headlines we've ever used for anything, and you have my personal apology. Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith was asked during his Monday press conference whether he quickly caught on just how much the team's rivalry with the New Orleans Saints means.
He answered, since he is too courteous to not answer a question when asked:
There's some kind of chant that they do down there, I'm not exactly sure (smiling). In the electricity in both buildings, it's different for the fans, in terms of the feel of the hype up to the game. But for us, it's not going to be any different. It's the most important game because it's the next game and the guys will hear that on Wednesday like they hear it every week.
They'll hear it, but they'll know and feel the truth. This game is the south's premier pro rivalry, and was even before it started being boosted by actual importance. The winner will have the NFC South lead in addition to a share of the year's bragging rights.
For more, visit Falcons blog The Falcoholic and Saints blog Canal Street Chronicles.