By surrendering just 81 total rushing yards to the Saints, Atlanta prevented its opponent from gaining double-digits on the ground for the fifth time in six matchups this year. Heading into Sunday the Falcons rank first in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game with 78.8—quite a change from last year, when they finished 21st in that category (118.4).
The Falcons are heavily emphasizing this area, and right now, it’s paying major dividends.
“When you play an eight-man front style that you do a bunch, we expect to have good results in the run game,” said Dan Quinn.