Atlanta is a hot sports town these days. The 5-0 Falcons resemble nobody more than the NBA’s 2014-15 Atlanta Hawks so far this season. Last year the Hawks surprised everybody, finishing with the best record in the Eastern Conference and sending a league-high four players to the All-Star game. The Falcons look just the same, ripping out of the gate at 5-0 headed into Thursday night against their longtime rival, the struggling New Orleans Saints (1-4).
Falcons head coach coach Dan Quinn is putting together a coach-of-the-year-type season, just like his Hawks counterpart Mike Budenholzer did. The Falcons figure to emerge 6-0 and further cement Atlanta’s growing reputation as win city. The Falcons beat the Saints twice in 2014. But this is in New Orleans and Saints QB Drew Brees hates to lose. If only he could get some protection (15 sacks so far) he’d have a chance to make it a little harder for the Falcons — who are 5-0, yes, but their last two victories were by a combined six points. Should be a fun game. Mostly for Atlanta fans. Receiver Julio Jones is expected to play despite injuries.
