Cousin-vs-cousin in Falcons-Saints battle
By By Richard Dark/EMG staff writer
October 27, 2002
NEW ORLEANS This week it's all about family and old friends and old enemies, too. The New Orleans Saints will try to up their record to 7-1, matching their best start ever, when they take on the rival Atlanta Falcons (3-3) today at a sold-out Louisiana Superdome. The Saints have taken three of the last four meetings between these two bitter foes.
Saints quarterback Aaron Brooks, whose play has improved during every passing week of this developing storybook season, will face off against arguably the NFL's single-best individual talent in second cousin and Falcons QB Michael Vick.
Both grew up together in Newport News, Va.
Saints coach Jim Haslett subscribes more toward that school of thought. Forget about records. Forget about the Saints being at the top of virtually every national power poll. Forget about side stories. Keeping a handle on the incredibly elusive Vick, rated the second-best QB in the NFC, is the top key to winning this one and thus remaining the top team in the league.
It won't be a cakewalk for the Falcons defense either who will have to contend with the top back in the NFC in Lena's Deuce McAllister. To date, he has 721 yards on 154 carries to go with five touchdowns. Like Brooks, the level of his play keeps on climbing and it seems as if the sky's the limit.
Some former Saints who will be on the other side of the ball today include cornerbacks Fred Weary, Kevin Mathis, and Mississippi Valley State product Ashley Ambrose. Former Saints wideout Willie Jackson is also a target of the strong arm of Vick. All should see significant playing time today. Other names familiar to Mississippi viewers include: former Alcorn State standout John Thierry, Mississippi Delta CC cornerback Juran Bolden and tight end Reggie Kelly from Aberdeen and Mississippi State.
Despite their successes, injuries continue to be an issue with this Saints team. The most important of all the dings today is former Ole Miss lineman Norman Hand. Hand, who tweaked a hamstring in the first half of last week's 35-27 win over San Francisco, is likely to play, although how much time he will actually is uncertain. With the big names on the defensive line in front of him going down week after week, look for reserve Kenny Smith to get more snaps this week.
Fred McAfee is also 50/50 to get back into action this week. If not, he'll indeed be back after the bye week. The same goes for defensive back Keyuo Craver. Don't be surprised if the speedy Donte Stallworth does ease back onto the field after re-aggravating his hammy a few weeks back. Linebacker Charlie Clemons will be back in action, barring a last minute setback.
The Falcons have medical malfunctions of their own. No.1 running back T.J. Duckett isn't expected to play and tackle Todd Weiner is among the notable non-factors.
