The Falcons are undefeated, and Saints interim coach Joe Vitt had plenty of praise to offer them when he spoke with the media on Thursday. Atlanta plays at New Orleans on Sunday. (AP)

The Falcons are 8-0, and Saints interim coach Joe Vitt says their flawless start is no fluke.

His Thursday interview session with reporters after practice on Thursday doubled as an Atlanta love-in. The Falcons and Saints play Sunday in the Superdome.

Vitt on Falcons wide receivers Roddy White and Julio Jones, who have combined for 87 catches, 1,337 yards and 9 touchdowns: “Right now I think they are playing as good as any one-two combination in the National Football League.”

Vitt on Falcons QB Matt Ryan: “I said this about Matt Ryan when he came in as a rookie, (that) I don’t know that I ever saw a rookie, besides Dan Marino, have as good of a rookie season as he had.  He’s gotten better every year and I think this year he’s having an MVP year because of all the characteristics he can bring to the table.”

Vitt on veteran Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez: “He can beat any linebacker still in man-to-man coverage in the National Football League and most safeties vs. man-to-man coverage. I think he’s running better now than he did a year ago when he had the bad ankle. He’s like a fine wine, he keeps getting better.”

The only thing Vitt played down was the rivalry between the two teams. He’s a coach, not a fan.

“I don’t know about the rivalry fact,” he said. “I don’t think we have a pep rally and a bonfire tonight anywhere.”

Inside info? Saints LB Curtis Lofton, who played his first four seasons in Atlanta before signing with New Orleans in March, can’t give his teammates and coaches much information on the Falcons’ schemes. Atlanta hired new offensive and defensive coordinators (Dirk Koetter, Mike Nolan) in the offseason and is running a different system on both sides of the ball.

Lofton can help the Saints the most by continuing to make plays. He leads the team with 76 tackles, having started every game at middle linebacker.

“He flies around and makes so many tackles for us,” safety Roman Harper said. “He’s a great leader. He gets everybody lined up and has a great grasp of this defense. He makes a lot of big plays for us. I don’t feel as bad if I miss a tackle because he usually cleans it up for me.”

Injury update: Not practicing Thursday: Running back Darren Sproles (broken left hand), wide receiver Courtney Roby (shoulder), offensive tackle Zach Strief (groin) and defensive end Junior Galette (sprained ankle). Vitt said it's too early to rule anyone out.

Charles Brown would replace Strief. Turk McBride and Martez Wilson would be the top backups without Galette.

Practice roster change: The Saints have signed CB A.J. Davis to their practice squad, making room for him by waiving CB Nick Hixson.

Davis, an undrafted rookie from Jacksonville State made a good impression at the beginning of training camp but was hampered by injury problems.

Follow Saints reporter Guerry Smith on twitter @CBSSaints.