The New York Giants have arguably their easiest game through three weeks against the Atlanta Falcons this upcoming Sunday. While the Giants usually find ways to make more advantageous games difficult for themselves, the Falcons have the worst defense in the league after two regular-season games.
Atlanta has given up a league-high 40 points per game against the Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which includes eight passing touchdowns against. Last week against Tampa, Tom Brady tossed five touchdowns, including two to tight end Rob Gronkowski and another two to Mike Evans. The Buccaneers’ defense also managed to record two interceptions taken for touchdowns, showcasing an inept Falcons unit that only had so many offensive opportunities because of how quickly the Buccaneers were scoring.
Looking over at the Giants, who manage 29 points against a solid Washington defense, managed to beat themselves in the final moments on an offsides call that would’ve resulted in a missed field goal by Dustin Hopkins. The Giants start off the season 0-2, similar to the Falcons.
However, this game offers the Giants a tremendous opportunity to get their offense in a better spot, getting the ball to big free agent signing Kenny Golladay more frequently and hopefully seeing Saquon Barkley rip off a few big runs. The biggest factor remains quarterback Daniel Jones, who had arguably the best game of his career against Washington.
In the loss, Jones finished with a 68.75% completion rate, 249 passing yards, 95 rushing yards, and two total touchdowns. If it weren’t for a bad holding call on receiver CJ Board and a drop by Darius Slayton, the Giants’ QB would’ve enjoyed his best stat-line to date, including five scores.
The expectation is that Jones will also enjoy the return of Evan Engram, opening up another element on offense with his athletic TE.
Looking over at Atlanta secondary, they have a selection of vulnerable cornerbacks. 2017 draft pick Fabian Moreau has already given up 65 yards and two scores through two weeks as the right boundary CB. The Falcons’ linebacker core is also a liability, with primary starter Deion Jones giving up 119 yards and a score through two weeks.
The Buccaneers targeted the middle of the field against the Falcons, specifically with their tight ends and slot receivers. The Giants will have plenty of opportunities running RPO‘s to give their past catchers good opportunities to pick up yards. Atlanta also ranks toward the bottom of the league in rushing yards allowed with 127.5 per game, which should widen the eyes of Barkley, who is still looking for a game with over 60 rushing yards.
Ultimately, this is a must-win game for the Giants as they prepare to head into a tougher portion of the schedule with the New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys, and Los Angeles Rams coming up consecutively. Picking up some momentum and plastering a bad Atlanta defense would be a good way to get the gears turning.