The New Orleans Saints emerged from their first loss of the season, 15-12 to Philadelphia, with notable bumps and bruises, including center Erik McCoy’s groin injury that required surgery and a trip to injured reserve.

Losing the best offensive lineman is a huge blow to the line, but there is no time for sadness and no extension of pity. The Saints (2-1) will play the Falcons (1-2) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Sunday afternoon, and the Falcons would love nothing more than to hook up.

The Saints know this will be a tough, emotional game. Here are a few ways they can gain the upper hand:

The Eagles had success stopping the Saints, and especially the running game, using a 6-1 defensive alignment (three defensive linemen, two edge rushers and a linebacker on the edge) to limit the Saints to 89 rushing yards on 29 carries. The Falcons will use it too, because why wouldn’t they? Alvin Kamara’s readiness for the Saints (285 yards and four touchdowns on 61 carries, 132 yards and a touchdown on 10 receptions) is paramount as he remains the best offensive option for New Orleans. It looks like he’ll be ready, and Taysom Hill returns from his pectoral injury to hit the defense a few times to loosen it up. A better executed play will lead to a better offense.

The New Orleans line has had a week to adjust to life without McCoy. Life comes at you fast, and even faster in professional sports, so the fact is that whoever is at center (possibly Shane Lemieux) and right guard (possibly Landon Young, with Cesar Ruiz out) has to be prepared and effective if this offense is committed. I’m going to get back on track after a 12-point, 219-yard showing against the Eagles. Protecting quarterback Derek Carr (sacked once, hit four times, rushed at least 10 more times while catching 14 passes for just 142 yards) is at the top of the list, and that may require chip assistance from tight ends and backs.