Expert's Take: Falcons at Patriots

During the Falcons season, experts from the national media will check in with their thoughts on the team, the NFL and upcoming Falcons opponents. Introducing "Expert's Take." This week's Q&A features Charles Davis of NFL.com, NFL Network and Fox Sports.

AF.com: Perhaps the most impressive team in the NFL through two weeks are the New Orleans Saints.  We've know for some time the Saints have a good offense, but did anyone have a clue that they would be this good?
CD: The suspicion was that the Saints would be extremely high powered, but when they dropped 48 points on an Eagles defense that had just had their way against Carolina on Opening Day, it was an eye opener. A very successful former NFL head coach told me after the Saints game that their offense is simply ahead of all defenses right now. That's quite a statement. Throw in the fact that their defense is playing better, and the Saints have gotten everyone's attention, while putting Drew Brees firmly in the argument of "who's the best quarterback in the NFL right now?"

AF.com: After seeing the Falcons on Sunday, what are your thoughts for their prospects for the rest of the season?
CD: The Atlanta Falcons are a team that is built to compete with anyone in the NFL, and I expect them to be right in the mix for the NFC South title. The offense can attack in so many ways -- running the ball inside and outside, quarterback Matt Ryan can make every throw and is clearly the leader of the team, and the pass catchers all complement each other. Roddy White is a Pro Bowl wide receiver and Tony Gonzalez has elevated everyone's game. The defense is younger, faster, and growing more confident each time out. Curtis Lofton is "Matt Ryan" on defense -- the leader that everyone looks to while making a lot of plays.

AF.com: Where you at all surprised at what took place on Sunday in the Meadowlands when the Jets were victorious over New England?
CD: Pressure, pressure, pressure in Tom Brady's face is the No. 1 key versus the Patriots. The teams that have given New England the most trouble recently have all put a relentless group of rushers on the field to make the quarterback a bit unsettled in the pocket. And the Atlanta special teams units, who rank among the best in the league led by coordinator Keith Armstrong, will need to make a few big plays that can turn field position in it's favor. 

AF.com: Talk about the play of Falcons veteran linebacker Mike Peterson.  What were your impressions of him on Sunday? 
CD: Mike Peterson is playing like a man that has truly been rejuvenated. Always around the ball, he makes plays that help turn games around -- interceptions, forced fumbles, big hits that energize a team. He's a veteran that everyone looks up to on defense and, when he speaks, all mouths close and ears open. Why? Because he leads by example, too. His first two games have been as good as anyone's at his position in the NFL thus far in 2009. He was a lot of fun to watch this past Sunday against Carolina. As I told someone during a break in the game, "if you lose sight of the ball, just follow Mike Peterson because he always ends up around it."