Falcons recent defensive moves could mean trouble for Saints

The Falcons could be building something special with their recent defensive moves.

As significant as Atlanta's additions of outside linebacker Matt Judon and safety Justin Simmons are, what makes them even sweeter for the organization is how much they sting the division-rival Saints.

By acquiring Judon from the Patriots, the Falcons have a seemingly huge advantage over Saints tackle Trevor Penning, who struggled mightily in training camp and in Week 1 of the preseason.

The teams play in Weeks 4 and 10, and Judon should be able to expose New Orleans' glaring weakness.

The Simmons signing ( one year, $8 million ) might sting even more.

New Orleans hosted Simmons on a free-agent visit on Aug. 7, and his decision to sign with its arch-nemesis likely feels as nice as lemon juice on a fresh cut.

As bad as the Saints might feel after the Falcons' recent transactions, things can still get worse.

The Falcons have a roster that should win the NFC South and could go deep in the playoffs.

Super Bowl LIX is in New Orleans.

Could there be a more terrifying outcome for the city than the Falcons celebrating their first league championship in it? Bourbon Street might shut down.

Atlanta's defense was much improved in 2023 and might be even better in 2024 with the recent additions.

The defense shifted 16 spots in yards allowed a season ago, from No. 27 in 2022 (362.1 yards per game) to 11th in 2023 (321.1 yards per game).

However, the team's most significant offseason move was signing free-agent quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury last season, Cousins started eight games for the Vikings and was 216-of-311 (69.5 percent) for 2,331 yards, 18 touchdowns and five interceptions.

The Falcons' offense features several talented playmakers including running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts.

After being saddled with below-average quarterback play the past two seasons, the offense should be much more efficient with Cousins.

And now, the Falcons defense has added star power to match, making that worst-case scenario for New Orleans a bit realistic.