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Updated: Sunday, November 16, 2003 6:25 AM EST
NFL PREVIEW
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Atlanta (2-7) at New Orleans (4-5) 1:00 pm EST
Falcons
Saints

NEW ORLEANS (Ticker) -- Less than a month ago, the New Orleans Saints ' offense enjoyed a breakout performance against the Atlanta Falcons . On Sunday, the teams meet again at the Louisiana Superdome.

The Saints' offense was clicking on all cylinders in a 45-17 rout at Atlanta on October 19. Led by Aaron Brooks and Deuce McAllister , New Orleans rolled up 507 total yards.

Brooks completed 23-of-30 passes for 352 yards and three touchdowns and McAllister rushed for 116 yards and two scores.

New Orleans produced three touchdowns in the second quarter to open up a 35-14 lead, scoring on its final three possessions of the half. McAllister carried 10 times for 80 yards in the second period, including a 10-yard touchdown that opened up the 21-point cushion at intermission.

McAllister has six straight 100-yard games and is third in the NFC with 871 yards rushing.

Falcons quarterback Kurt Kittner struggled in the first meeting between the teams, going just 9-of-29 for 115 yards and one touchdown with one interception.

New Orleans is coming off its bye after posting a 17-14 win at Tampa Bay two weeks ago. John Carney gave the Saints the victory, kicking a 47-yard field goal with eight seconds remaining.

After a 1-4 start, the Saints have won three of their last four games.

The loss to the Saints led to Falcons coach Dan Reeves benching his entire secondary the following week. After a loss to Philadelphia, the moves paid off in last week's surprising 27-7 win over the New York Giants .

Atlanta's defense came up huge in last week's victory, forcing four turnovers. Rookie strong safety Bryan Scott led the way with an interception and fumble recovery.

Although they were dominated in the first meeting, the Falcons have won seven of the last eight contests here between the teams.

The Falcons lead the series, 39-29.


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