Q&A: Sharper tells how they shut down the Falcons

New Orleans

Falcons running back Michael Turner (right) gets stopped for no gain by New Orleans Saints Jo-Lonn Dunbar (left) in the first half. Jason Getz / jgetz@ajc.com

Saints safety Darren Sharper played a key role in shutting down the Falcons offense on Monday night.

He played over the top of Roddy White and helped hold him to three catches for 42 yards.

Here’s what he had to say about the Falcons’ offense after the game.

Q: What was the key to shutting down the Falcons passing attack?
A: The main thing is that we knew who they were going to try to get the ball to. We keyed on certain players. But I think the main thing overall was that we had good coverage overall as a secondary. We have guys that can cover. That’s our strength as a team. They kind of played into our hands.

Q: How did you all stop the run after giving up 208 yards last week?

A: “That was one of our goals. We knew if we didn’t tackle well. It was our goal this week to not allow them to rush the ball. We knew with Michael Turner that was going to be a tough challenge. Our guys up front did a heck of a job and our linebackers did even better by not allowing him to get going.”

Q: How are you all viewing the playoffs? Hoping to still win the NFC South title?

A: “Well, we are in the tournament. That was our main goal. Just to have a chance to be in the tournament. Anything can happen. If Carolina can play their best game of history and beat these guys, we’ll have home field. That’s what we are rooting for. We have to make sure that we take care of our business and beat Tampa Bay, who is playing extremely well right now.”

–D. Orlando Ledbetter

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