Post by Guvmintcheeze on Oct 4, 2014 23:39:31 GMT
W2W4: Falcons vs. Giants
Here are a few things to watch for when the Atlanta Falcons (2-2) attempt to end a four-game road losing streak as they face the New York Giants (2-2):
Rookie left tackle Jake Matthews might be the least of the Falcons’ concerns along the offensive line, with three new starters set to see action in right tackle Gabe Carimi, center Peter Konz and left guard Harland Gunn. But Matthews has the toughest individual challenge of the group against Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, who has 1.5 sacks and three passes defensed. "He's a really good player," Matthews said of the 6-foot-5, 278-pound Pierre-Paul. "He's real big and long. He's active. That's going to be a big challenge for me, but I'm excited for it. I think we have a really good game plan going into this. And it will be a good matchup for me, a good learning experience."
Falcons receiver Roddy White vowed to score at least one touchdown Sunday, since he has yet to do so in five career games against the Giants (including the postseason). Let’s see if he lives up to his promise against a Giants team that is tied for the league lead with nine takeaways. Julio Jones is certain to attract the bulk of the attention, as he does every week. The fact that Harry Douglas will miss his second consecutive game with a foot injury only makes White that much more valuable as a target for quarterback Matt Ryan. And Ryan might have a tough time going down the field to Jones while playing behind a rebuilt offensive line, so those intermediate routes to White could be key along with quick passes to Jones and Devin Hester. White is back healthy again after dealing with knee and hamstring issues. His confidence never takes a hit.
The Falcons were pathetic in stopping the run last week, particularly on goal-line situations. One defensive lineman was out of his gap on a play that resulted in a 55-yard run by Minnesota Vikings rookie Jerick McKinnon. This week, burly linemen Paul Soliai and Tyson Jackson have to earn their money and be the run-stuffers they’ve were touted to be upon signing with the Falcons. "The defense of the run ... it's all three levels, but it starts at the first level," coach Mike Smith said. "We've got to win there. There's going to be times when you're going to get single-blocked. And when you get single-blocked, you've got to be able to beat the block and make a play. That's the goal of the defensive linemen. If you get doubled and there are four hands on you, it's going to be a little bit harder. But you still have to be gap sound in what you're doing." The linebackers have to do the same, and new starting strong safety Kemal Ishmael could be an asset in terms of stopping the run, with tackling being his strength. The Giants boast the league’s third-leading rusher in Rashad Jennings (341 rushing yards) and have another capable backup in Andre Williams. The Falcons can’t let Jennings and Williams have career games, like they tend to do with most running backs these days.
Here are a few things to watch for when the Atlanta Falcons (2-2) attempt to end a four-game road losing streak as they face the New York Giants (2-2):
Rookie left tackle Jake Matthews might be the least of the Falcons’ concerns along the offensive line, with three new starters set to see action in right tackle Gabe Carimi, center Peter Konz and left guard Harland Gunn. But Matthews has the toughest individual challenge of the group against Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, who has 1.5 sacks and three passes defensed. "He's a really good player," Matthews said of the 6-foot-5, 278-pound Pierre-Paul. "He's real big and long. He's active. That's going to be a big challenge for me, but I'm excited for it. I think we have a really good game plan going into this. And it will be a good matchup for me, a good learning experience."
Falcons receiver Roddy White vowed to score at least one touchdown Sunday, since he has yet to do so in five career games against the Giants (including the postseason). Let’s see if he lives up to his promise against a Giants team that is tied for the league lead with nine takeaways. Julio Jones is certain to attract the bulk of the attention, as he does every week. The fact that Harry Douglas will miss his second consecutive game with a foot injury only makes White that much more valuable as a target for quarterback Matt Ryan. And Ryan might have a tough time going down the field to Jones while playing behind a rebuilt offensive line, so those intermediate routes to White could be key along with quick passes to Jones and Devin Hester. White is back healthy again after dealing with knee and hamstring issues. His confidence never takes a hit.
The Falcons were pathetic in stopping the run last week, particularly on goal-line situations. One defensive lineman was out of his gap on a play that resulted in a 55-yard run by Minnesota Vikings rookie Jerick McKinnon. This week, burly linemen Paul Soliai and Tyson Jackson have to earn their money and be the run-stuffers they’ve were touted to be upon signing with the Falcons. "The defense of the run ... it's all three levels, but it starts at the first level," coach Mike Smith said. "We've got to win there. There's going to be times when you're going to get single-blocked. And when you get single-blocked, you've got to be able to beat the block and make a play. That's the goal of the defensive linemen. If you get doubled and there are four hands on you, it's going to be a little bit harder. But you still have to be gap sound in what you're doing." The linebackers have to do the same, and new starting strong safety Kemal Ishmael could be an asset in terms of stopping the run, with tackling being his strength. The Giants boast the league’s third-leading rusher in Rashad Jennings (341 rushing yards) and have another capable backup in Andre Williams. The Falcons can’t let Jennings and Williams have career games, like they tend to do with most running backs these days.
