The Giants head into their week 5 showdown with the 2-2 Atlanta Falcons riding a two game winning streak. The Giants know how important this game is as they look to get above .500 before they play back to back road divisional games against the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys.
In facing the Falcons, the Giants will face one of the most explosive passing attacks in the NFL. Currently the Falcons are averaging 322 yards per game through the air which ranks 2nd in the NFL. Currently the Giants pass defense ranks 22nd in the NFL giving up 254 yards. So the game could come down to how the Giants secondary fares against the Falcons receivers.
Here are 3 Keys for the Giants:
1. Get Pressure on Matt Ryan – The Giants secondary will have their hands full as they go up against the Falcons talented receiver core lead by Julio Jones and Roddy White. So it’s crucial that the front seven Giants pressures quarterback Matt Ryan to limit his time to find the open receiver. Given the fact that the Falcons offensive line has been decimated by injuries, the Giants should be able to apply pressure on a consistent base. If they can’t pressure Ryan, the Falcons receivers will make their share of big plays.
2. Have A Balance Attack On Offense – The Giants are at their best when they’re able to run and pass effectively. The Falcons defense is ranked near the bottom in both run and pass defense, and last week they gave up 300 yards to a rookie quarterback making his first NFL start. They also gave up three rushing touchdowns and 213 yards to a pair of backup running backs.
So the Giants need to have a balance attack on offense as they should be able to run and pass on the Falcons. Look for Eli Manning who is completing a career high 66% of his passes this season to have another big game and running back Rashad Jennings to have over 100 yards rushing.
3. Win The Turnover Battle – This has been one of the key factors in the Giants 2-2 record. In the two games they’ve won, they won the turnover battle, and in the two games they lost, they lost the turnover battle. So one would think if the Giants win the turnover battle on Sunday, they stand a good chance of winning their third game in a now.
Prediction – Last time the Giants played the Falcons at MetLife Stadium was the 2011 Wildcard game and the Giants won 24-2. While this game will be more competitive, the outcome will be the same. The Falcons are not as good on the road as they are at home. In their two road games this season, they have been outscored 65- 38. Combined with the fact that, the Giants are a more complete team than the Falcons, expect Big Blue to come away with the victory. Giants win 31-20