Giants vs. Falcons preview

So after what seems like a month, the Giants will resume their 2009 season tomorrow at home against the Atlanta Falcons.  Things are probably a bit somber around Giants Stadium today, however, after the team learned LB Antonio Pierce will be out indefinitely with a bulging disc in his neck.  Still, the G-men should and need to take care of business tomorrow.  Here is how we see it……

OFFENSE

The Falcons will likely be without RB Michael Turner and may even be without backup Jerious Norwood, who is still recovering from a hip injury.  Jason Snelling took over for Turner last week, and though he is more of a pass-catching threat, he’s not the same runner Turner is.  The lack of Turner’s presence will put more pressure on Matt Ryan and the WRs, but don’t forget they have TE Tony Gonzalez, and TEs tend to beat up the G-men.  As for the Giants, look for a heavy dose of Brandon Jacobs to establish the tempo early and keep the Falcons’ offense off the field.  If that happens, Eli Manning should be able to pick his spots against a vulnerable pass defense.  EDGE: GIANTS

DEFENSE

The Giants are 13th against the run and 2nd against the pass, though it’s hard to believe that second part considering how this team continually has given up big plays lately.  CB Aaron Ross returns and LB Michael Boley has had an extra week to get healthy…good news considering Antonio Pierce’s injury.  The Falcons, meanwhile, are 25th against the run and 28th against the pass.  We all saw what the G-men did against some bad defenses early in the season, and I think you’ll see more of that tomorrow.  EDGE: GIANTS

SPECIAL TEAMS

Falcons’ return man Eric Weems has a very respectable 27.3 yard average on kickoff returns, while Domenik Hixon has been flat-out awful lately in that regard.  Lawrence Tynes has slipped a bit in the kicker rankings but Jason Elam hasn’t really done much at all since leaving Denver.  He’s only 9 of 14 this year and missed an extra point.  Giants’ P Jeff Feagles has struggled mightily (39.3 yard average), while Falcons’ P Michael Koenen averages 43.3.  EDGE: FALCONS

COACHING

Mike Smith has done a great job with this young Falcons’ squad the last year and a half, bringing them to respectability and into a playoff team immediately.  They have struggled the last few weeks but are still very dangerous.  Meanwhile, Tom Coughlin faced intense scrutiny after some of his way-conservative play-calling cost the Giants’ the game against San Diego.  He needs to prove he can turn things around in a hurry.  EDGE: EVEN

INTANGIBLES

For some strange reason, the road team in this series has won the last 12 meetings, dating back to 1979.  That’s crazy.  Still, you have to believe the Giants have an edge being at home in what promises to be an emotional game, based on how badly they need a win to stay alive in the playoff hunt.  The Falcons are fighting for that same playoff spot, so it’s no gimme by any means, but they will have an uphill climb if Michael Turner can’t go, or even if he can go at less than 100%.  EDGE: GIANTS

THE PICK

I thought the Giants would right the ship against San Diego, and they played well enough to do so.  Now they are in even more of a must-win situation, and I believe they pull through.  Look for a huge day for Brandon Jacobs.  GIANTS 27, FALCONS 24

FANTASY OUTLOOK

For the Falcons, your only decent plays tomorrow are TE Tony Gonzalez and WR Roddy White.  The Giants have shown to be susceptible to the long ball and to receiving TDs.  But Matt Ryan might be pressured into more mistakes (i.e. picks) and he won’t have the luxury of a healthy running game.  I’m not sure I’d like to have Elam going in the Meadowlands, either. 

For the Giants, Jacobs is a solid starter and Ahmad Bradshaw may pick up a few yards here and there but not much more.  WR Steve Smith should continue his great season, but anyone else in the receiving corps. is risky.  Manning should have a decent day if he limits mistakes, but won’t put up huge yardage numbers.  And Tynes gets to be scarier as the weather gets colder and the Giants Stadium wind begins to swirl. 

As for fantasy defense, you might stay clear of both of these teams, especially with no other teams on a bye this week.

Tags: 1979, Aaron Ross, Antonio Pierce, Atlanta Falcons, Brandon Jacobs, Denver Broncos, Domenik Hixon, Eli Manning, Eric Weems, Falcons defense, Giants defense, Giants Falcons preview, Giants Stadium, Jason Elam, Jason Snelling, Jeff Feagles, Jerious Norwood, Lawrence Tynes, Matt Ryan, Michael Boley, Michael Koenen, Michael Turner, Mike Smith, New York Giants, Roddy White, San Diego Chargers, Steve Smith, Tom Coughlin, Tony Gonzalez