Giants vs. Falcons: What to Watch For

The Giants return to MetLife Stadium today to take on the Falcons, looking to rebound from last week’s last-minute loss to the Cowboys. Here’s what to keep an eye on as the Giants look to even their record at 1-1.

Shorthanded Giants

The Giants will be without WR Victor Cruz, LB Jon Beason, DT Markus Kuhn and S Cooper Taylor, all dealing with injuries. Preston Parker struggled in three-wide sets filling in for Cruz last week, so he’ll hope for better results today. With all the injuries, the Giants defense is going to have to rely on its depth today.

(Photo: USA Today)

Run, Run, Run As Fast As You Can

The Falcons’ defense stifled the Eagles’ highly-regarded running game last week, holding them to 63 yards on 16 carries (3.9 YPC), including just nine yards on eight carries from DeMarco Murray. As for the Giants, someone needs to emerge as a running threat so the offense can be balanced. Rashad Jennings will have the first opportunity, but I’m sure Shane Vereen will get a fair shake too.

Matty Ice

Not much else needs to be said other than Matt Ryan and Julio Jones are one of the most dangerous QB-WR duos in all of football. Against the Eagles, they connected nine times for 141 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Prince Amukamara and Dominique-Rodgers Cromartie will have their hands full trying to contain that connection.

The Verdict

I think the Giants need a bounce-back win here, but they could struggle to overcome some significant injuries, and I have a bad feeling about Julio Jones. Eli Manning will need to step up in a big way to keep the Giants in the game, because I see the Falcons scoring a lot of points. Ultimately, I think the Giants fall just short.

Falcons 38, Giants 31