5 things we learned about the Falcons on Thursday

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FLOWERY BRANCH -- Here are the five things we learned Thursday about the Falcons (8-7), who host New Orleans (6-9)  at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons, who have won two in a row, will seek to avenge a 31-21 loss to the Saints on Oct. 15.

Morten Andersen game-winning field goal in the NFC championship against the Vikings transformed the Falcons franchise. (Ben Gray/AJC)

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1. JULIO JONES RECORD WATCH: Julio Jones has a shot at the single-season mark for most catches and yards. He'll be playing against the league's 31st ranked defense.

2. A NEW CENTER: Falcons coach Dan Quinn has opened up the competition at center after another botched center snap. If they fixed their center-quarterback exchanges the Falcons would be near even in turnover-margin.

3. GREATEST MOMENT: We all knew it was Morten Andersen's kick to send the Falcons to the Super Bowl.   The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is counting down the Top 10 moments in Atlanta Falcons history during the franchise's 50th anniversary season. The No. 1 moment takes us to the 1998 season, when a Morten Andersen 38-yard game-winning field goal in the NFC Championship game sent the Falcons to their first Super Bowl. The victory highlighted the franchises most successful season and a year that transformed the franchise.

4. TOP 50 FALCONS: No. 2 Mike Kenn: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is counting down the Top 50 players in Atlanta Falcons history during the franchise's 50th anniversary season. No. 2 is left tackle Mike Kenn.

5. INJURY REPORT: Four players returned to practice today who did not practice on Wednesday. Cornerback Phillip Adams (hamstring), wide receiver Roddy White (ankle), right guard Chris Chester (right shoulder) and wide receiver Eric Weems (concussion). Running back Tevin Coleman (concussion) remains in the league's concussion protocol program.

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