Falcons vs Giants: Five questions with GMEN HQ
Ahead of the Atlanta Falcons’ game with the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, I spoke with Chris Schisler, editor of GMEN HQ. Schisler gives a Giants perspective on the game. Here’s the five questions.
I have to ask, what’s your take on the way the Giants-Cowboys game ended?
CS: Well the Giants managed to lose a game they all but had in the bag. Eli Manning took the blame which shows his leadership but the game should have never come down to a final Cowboys drive any way. When you have a 23-13 lead late in the second half, you have to be able to put the game away.
Kicking a field goal from the one yard line is essentially asking for a loss. There was too much time left on the clock. There was too much given up on check down passes to the running back. The whole experience was bad. You have an incredible opportunity wasted by a quarterback essentially setting up the doomsday scenario. You have a ten point lead vanish into thin air because the defense couldn’t make the key stops and the offense couldn’t get the job done. It was ugly, sad and unacceptable.
What’s going to be the key matchup in this game?
CS: Well we don’t have anybody who can stop Julio Jones by himself. It just isn’t going to happen. Therefore the Giants will have to double cover him. That leaves Roddy White alone on an island with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie most likely. It is a veteran cornerback vs. a veteran receiver. We know Julio is going to get his. We just need to prevent the too-easy-big play to Jones. If Roddy gets his too, it could be a tough day for the Giants defense.
Can the New York defense improve, and what’s it going to take for it to happen?
CS: It is Week 2 in the NFL, there isn’t a thing that cannot be improved. The Giants defense got next to no pressure against Tony Romo. This wasn’t what we were expecting because the pass rush figured to be the only strength on this defense in the first place.
The defense was going against a great Cowboys offensive line, and that certainly had an impact on the lack of pass rush. The Giants need improved performance from their defensive line. Robert Ayers, Damontre Moore, Owa Odighizuwa, where were you? If the pass rush improves it will hide a lot of the problems.
But you also have to remember that this defense is filled with youth. Uani’ Unga, Landon Collins, Odighizuwa are all rookies. The Giants also have plenty of players in their second or third season. The defense is young and unproven. There is plenty of room for growth.
You’re starting a new franchise and can pick either Julio Jones or Odell Beckham. Who do you take?
CS: I have to take Julio Jones and I hate to admit it. I think they are both unbelievable but Jones offers another element with his game. Jones has more size than Beckham Jr. and is a tougher receiver. You cannot go wrong with either player though.
What’s your prediction for this one?
CS: Well this is a tough game to predict. You guys just beat the Eagles who I think is a tougher team than the Giants. The Cowboys broke the Giants hearts though and they have been prone to falling into slumps in the past two seasons. Remember this team started the season 0-2 last year and then went on a seven game losing streak after a few wins. In 2013 the Giants lost their first six games. I think the Giants once again start off 0-2.
I think the Falcons defense will have their way with a Giants offense that looks out of sync, with no rhythm to speak of. I think the Giants pass rush will come alive in this game and that will help… but the secondary is going to be a huge problem. I don’t think the Giants have an answer for Vic Beasley and the Falcons pass rush. Beasley vs. Flowers is going to be a very interesting heavy weight fight though. I will say the Falcons win this game. The Giants have to learn how to win again which is evident after their collapse in Dallas.
I’d like to thank Chris for taking the time to speak with us, and I sure hope his prediction for the game is right. Be sure to check out GMEN HQ for a Giants’ perspective on Sunday’s game.
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