"We have to address it that way," Saints receiver Lance Moore said. "When you look at the division, we are at the bottom. We are just trying to keep our hopes alive."

The Saints, who have three players embroiled in the StarCaps drug- masking scandal, are playing the must-win card.

"We have to think of it as a must win," Moore said. "Atlanta is coming in here playing extremely well. We've got to be sharp."

DON'T BE LATE

From the top

Falcons like to strike early

The Falcons' trademark this season has been their quick starts. They have outscored the opposition 94-31 in the first quarter. The 94 points is tops in the NFL.

"That's something that jumps out at you," New Orleans head coach Sean Payton said.

The Falcons are 6-0 when they score on their opening drive.

In the previous New Orleans game, the Falcons didn't score on their first possession but held a 7-3 lead at the end of the first quarter. The lead eventually bulged to 27-6 and the Falcons held on for a 34-20 victory.

"I don't know that we took them too lightly, but they definitely punched us in the mouth," Saints wide receiver Lance Moore said. "They came out and totally outplayed us in all phases of the game."

KEEP BREES IN CHECK

Defense can get it done

The Falcons' defense played its signature game of the season against the Saints, at least its signature three quarters.

Defenders batted down 15 passes and had three interceptions, including a 95-yard interception return for a touchdown by rookie Chevis Jackson.

Cornerback Chris Houston and free safety Erik Coleman also had interceptions.

"It was the best job that we've done contesting throws down the field," Falcons coach Mike Smith said.

However, the Falcons gave up six plays of 20 yards or more and 294 yards passing in the fourth quarter.

"If you look at the game, statistics are a little deceiving," Saints coach Sean Payton said. "They played us very well defensively. It wasn't until late in the game that we had to throw it to try to get back in it. We really picked up some garbage numbers."

Saints quarterback Drew Brees threw three interceptions last week against Tampa Bay and had a fourth pick nullified by a penalty. Brees has thrown eight of his 14 interceptions against NFC South opponents.

Brees has thrown touchdown passes to 11 different players this season.

"We played extremely well against the Saints in the first game really for 3 1/2 quarters," Falcons linebacker Keith Brooking said. "We played better than anyone has played them. We have to keep that same intensity for a full game this time because they can beat you with big plays."

Falcons CAN'T GET BUSH-WHACKED

Reggie not up to speed

Saints running back Reggie Bush did not play in the teams' previous meeting. He returned to action last week against Tampa Bay.

"He didn't look like his normal self on film," Falcons linebacker Keith Brooking said. "But I don't think they are as effective without him in there."

Last season, a healthy Bush caught a 4-yard pass with 5:04 left in the game to beat the Falcons 22-16 at the Superdome on Oct. 21, 2007.

"It definitely helps just having him out there because it gives us another weapon and somebody else that the defense has to focus in on," Saints receiver Lance Moore said.

BURNER GETTING SOME HELP

Run game expands

Falcons running back Michael "The Burner" Turner has at least 24 carries in each of the past five games.

Last week against San Diego, the Falcons diversified a little bit with running backs Jerious Norwood, Jason Snelling and fullback Ovie Mughelli all getting carries.

"We would like to continue to get everybody touches," Falcons head coach Mike Smith said.

MATCHUP

* Favorite: Saints by 3 1/2

* Series record: Falcons lead 44-34

* Last meeting: Falcons 34, Saints 20, Nov. 9, 2008

* Notes: The Falcons have won four of their past five games. ... RB Michael Turner ranks third in the NFL with 1,208 yards rushing. ... DE John Abraham has 22 1/2 sacks in his past 27 games. ... Rookie QB Matt Ryan won his only start vs. New Orleans, completing 16 of 23 passes for 248 yards, two TDs and no INTs. ... Saints QB Drew Brees has passed for 3,870 yards, surpassing 320 in eight games. He must average 303.5 yards passing to break Dan Marino's 1984 single-season record of 5,084. ... The Saints are 4-1 in the Louisiana Superdome.

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