Top 5 Matchups To Watch in Atlanta Falcons vs. New York Giants
Getty Images
The New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons will be facing off in Week 5 in an important NFC matchup. The winner of the game will move above .500, making a case as a contender in the conference. The loser will fall below .500 and look more like a pretender. Here are the top five matchups to watch when the Giants and Falcons take the field to face each other.
5. Eli Manning vs. Falcons' Pass Rush
Getty Images
5. Eli Manning vs. Falcons' Pass Rush
Getty Images
Manning looks to be getting more comfortable in Ben McAdoo’s offense, as he completed 73.1 percent of his passes in the last two games for 534 yards, six touchdowns and only one interception. The quick hitting offense the Giants are now using is difficult to stop. The Falcons defense needs to knock Manning out of rhythm, something easier said than done as the Falcons get very little pass rush. If given time again, Manning will pick them apart.
4. Julio Jones vs. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
4. Julio Jones vs. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
Rodgers-Cromartie will be tested once again going up against the supremely talented Jones. DRC has really begun coming into his own in the Giants defense after a rough first game against Calvin Johnson and welcomes the challenge. Jones is Matt Ryan’s favorite target and will be peppered with passes throughout the afternoon. This matchup will be game changing and whoever gets advantage of the other will give their team a big edge.
3. Rashad Jennings vs. Falcons' Run Defense
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
3. Rashad Jennings vs. Falcons' Run Defense
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
The Falcons' run defense has been poor all season and Jennings is taking full advantage of his first lead back role in his career. Jennings looks poised for a big game against a Falcons defense that has given up 4.5 yards per carry and nine rushing touchdowns already in four games. Jennings getting off to a strong start will also keep Matt Ryan and a potentially explosive Falcons offense off the field.
2. Jason Pierre-Paul vs. Falcons' Offensive Tackles
Getty Images
2. Jason Pierre-Paul vs. Falcons' Offensive Tackles
Getty Images
The Falcons' O-Line is decimated because of injuries, which is bad news going up against a rejuvenated Giants D-Line. Jason Pierre-Paul looks as good as he has in three seasons, finally shaking nagging injuries and returning to form. He is the focal point of the defensive line, and the Falcons focusing on him opens up chances for his line mates. If JPP can’t be stopped with double teams it will be a long day offensively for the Falcons.
1. Matt Ryan vs. Giants' Pass Rush
Getty Images
1. Matt Ryan vs. Giants' Pass Rush
Getty Images
The Falcons offensive line is ravaged by injury. Last week they were forced to use a tight end at tackle in the fourth quarter because of all the injuries they were facing. With so many regulars missing, it could be a long day for Matt Ryan. He will need to get the ball out of his hands quickly as the Giants have been putting pressure on opposing QB’s in recent weeks. Matt Ryan is statuesque in the pocket and looks to be in for a long day.
Kenneth Teape is a New York Giants writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @teapester725 or join his Google network.
ESPN television personality Skip Bayless may thrive on being controversial, but his latest rant about Aaron Rodgers is hysterically inaccurate. Read More