FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- What a difference 24 days can make.
It's been less than a month since the Falcons beat the Saints 34-20 at the Georgia Dome, igniting a run that has the Birds into playoff contention. Atlanta (8-4) has won two of three games since the meeting and can continue to make noise in the NFC South by sweeping the Saints.
That requires a win in New Orleans, where the Saints are 5-1 on the season.
"Our division, it's a battle every time we face an opponent," veteran linebacker Keith Brooking said Wednesday. New Orleans is coming off a very disappointing loss and it's kind of a make or break game for those guys."
The Falcons talked at length Wednesday about the previous game against New Orleans. Erik Coleman picked off quarterback Drew Brees on the first play to set the tone for a solid defensive day. But the team knows the Saints studied the film heavily over the past three weeks.
"Last time was the first time they played us this year," center Todd McClure said. "I think they'll have a little better idea of how we want to attack them and the speed we play at on offense. I think we may have taken them by surprise the first time we played them. I think they'll definitely be ready for that this time and playing at their place is definitely a big change."
Atlanta's secondary recorded three interceptions in the first game and benefited from a 27-6 fourth-quarter lead over the visiting Saints (6-6). The team's situations have changed, but the old division foes can equally benefit from game against each other.
"That's the good thing about playing a division opponent: We're very familiar with them; we know what they're going to try to do to us," Brooking said.
THE BABINEAUX EFFECT: Atlanta managed just one sack of Brees the last time the Falcons played the Saints but the defense succeeded by disrupting timing at the line of scrimmage.
Defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux has since emerged as a major force along the defensive line. He recorded 1.5 sacks and a pass deflection last week at San Diego and is second on the team with 3.5 sacks (John Abraham leads with 12.5). He also signed a contract extension with the Falcons last week.
"I'm smaller but, at the same time, I'm a lot quicker," Babineaux said. "I think in our scheme (coaches) try to use me as a mobile D-tackle that can move around and do a lot of different things. I think it's reflected in my stats this year... The more experience I get the more positives there will be in being productive."
Head Coach Mike Smith praised the entire defensive line, which has recorded six sacks in the last two weeks.
"These guys have worked hard all through the season," he said. "I think they're progressing just like the rest of our team... They have a better understanding of what we want done schematically and they've improved each and every week."
INJURY REPORT: Three Falcons missed Wednesday's practice at Flowery Branch while another key player returned to the field.
Rookie left tackle Sam Baker was limited, but saw the practice field for the first time since Week 6. Smith said cornerback Brent Grimes (knee/quad), safety Coleman (quad) and tackle Todd Weiner (knee) did not participate in drills Wednesday.
"We're hopefully to get them back and do some things as the week progresses," the coach said.
For more injury news on the Falcons and Saints visit the Saint Joseph's Injury Report.
HOME DOMINANCE: Entering Week 14 NFC South teams are a combined 22-2 at home. That's the best in the NFL. Also, no NFC South team has won a road game against a division opponent. The Falcons are aware of this fact and expect a tough fight from the Saints regardless of their performance in the Louisiana Superdome.
"Any time you play a division opponent on the road it's going to be a challenge," quarterback Matt Ryan said.
"It's definitely a business trip," added McClure, who is from Louisiana and played at LSU. "It's a really big game for us playing a team that's 5-1 at home. They're going to be ready. They pretty much have to win out to have a shot to be in the playoffs."
REGGIE IN THE OFFENSE: New Orleans running back Reggie Bush did not play in the first game between the Saints and Falcons this season. He returned to the lineup last week in Tampa, rushing for zero yards on three attempts and catching five passes for 32 yards. The 203-pound running back finished last season with 998 total yards and six touchdowns in 12 games. He has eight total touchdowns this season (three punt returns, three catches and two runs) in eight games.
"We have to be really focused on him because they lot of different things with him," Brooking said. "They did the same things without Bush in there but I don't think they're as effective without him in there. We're looking at seeing the same thing."
MORE ON THE FALCONS-SAINTS GAME:
- NOTEBOOK: Falcons, Saints reviewing film from previous meeting
- PREVIEW PACK: More on the Falcons game against the New Orleans Saints (PDF)
- VIDEO: Head Coach Mike Smith | Ryan | Abraham | Babineaux | Nicholas | McClure
- FOE AUDIO: Sean Payton | Lance Moore
- J. MIKE'S MISSIVES: Rivalry Fashion Show | Baker Returns to Practice | Birdseed
- OFF THE CUFF: Is that Todd McClure or Chuck Liddell?
- COMMUNITY: Brooking up for NFL Neighborhood MVP
- VANTAGE POINT: Highlights from the Birds win over the Chargers
- ONE-ON-ONE: J. Michael Moore recaps the Chargers game with Coach Smith
- CONFERENCE CALL: Smith talks about San Diego and previews the Saints
- RELEASE: Falcons issues statement on Grady Jackson
- NEWS: Ryan up for Diet Pepsi Rookie of the Week
