New Orleans and Atlanta's football rivalry existed before Saints and Falcons

The rivalry has lasted for more than 60 years, and it was more than coincidence that the Saints' first game back at the Superdome in 2006 , a year-plus after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina damaged the stadium, was against the Falcons.

Same with the 20th anniversary of Steve Gleason's shining moment in an emotional Saints victory, which will be celebrated Monday, Oct. 5, during "Monday Night Football."

"To come away with that victory over Atlanta? Out of all people?" Saints fan and New Orleans resident Corey Singleton said in front of the statue – aptly named "Rebirth" – of Gleason's blocked punt against the Falcons prior to the team's Week 3 game. "Oh my god, that meant something to us."