Keep an eye on these storylines as the Falcons go into next Sunday's game against the New York Giants looking for their first road-win of the season.
Devin Hester continues to shine in the Falcons offense making receptions during key moments during the game. With 70 receiving yards and a touchdown during the game against the Minnesota Vikings, Hester was one of Ryan's top targets for the night.
Winning the turnover battle in their last two games, the New York Giants have come out with victories. The Giants defense had four interceptions and two fumble recoveries during the game against the Washington Redskins and three interceptions while playing the Houston Texans. Protecting the ball will be critical for the Falcons offense especially against a Giants defense that has come up big.
Injuries plagued the Atlanta Falcons during the loss against the Minnesota Vikings. C Joe Hawley, S William Moore, T Lamar Holmes, and G Justin Blalock all suffered injuries that removed them from the game and sent them to the locker room. Blalock is on a 114 game start streak that could be in danger heading into the game against the New York Giants.
Going against the Falcons' running backs this week the New York Giants will be led by veteran DE Jason Pierre-Paul. The Giants defense successfully held the Washington Redskins to only 86 rushing yards in the last game and Pierre-Paul's ability to stop the running backs in their tracks has a huge impact.
There was a moment in the game against the Minnesota Vikings that the Falcons were up after a touchdown by RB Antone Smith. Smith's 62 rushing yards led the team during their loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Giants TE Larry Donnell has been QB Eli Manning's favorite target so far this season. With 236 yards and four touchdowns, the 6'6 tight end towers over the defense and has been one of the Giants biggest asset on offense.
The Atlanta Falcons corners will have several Giants' receivers in their sights including WR Victor Cruz and TE Larry Donnell. CB Desmond Trufant has been a high point for the Falcons defense this season and stepping up to cover these receivers will be a must to control the Giants' offense.
The Atlanta Falcons are 2-2 and are tied for the lead of the division. Being a .500 team after Week 4 may not be ideal, but with the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers both suffering losses, there is no reason to throw away the season. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the sole victors for the NFC South this weekend beating the Pittsburgh Steelers for their first win of the season.
DE Osi Umenyiora spent 2003-2012 with the New York Giants and Week 5 will be his first opportunity to play against his former team. During Umenyiora's time with the Giants they were Super Bowl Champions twice (XLII and XLVI).
After having a rough start, the New York Giants have gained momentum and looked like a tough team the past two games. The Giants defeated the Houston Texans by 13 points and the Washington Redskins by 31 points, both large margins of victory.
For those who think the Falcons are just wishing their defense will improve in time for Sunday's Week 5 matchup against the New York Giants, think again.
One day after Falcons head coach Mike Smith pinpointed shortcomings of his team's defense, most notably consistency, Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Nolan stepped in front of the cameras and identified some key points in being able to showcase an effort on Sunday that hopefully pleases everyone.
- Attention to detail is going to be really important in everything that we do, because mental errors lead to big plays
- We have to play as a unit. We have to play as one; we can't play individually
- Discipline is going to be an important thing
Among the tall tasks facing the Falcons D this week will be two-time Super-Bowl-winning QB Eli Manning, WR Victor Cruz and other weapons, such as RB Rashad Jennings, who has 341 rushing yards and 2 TDs and TE Larry Donnell, who has logged 25 receptions for 236 yards and 4 TDs. Nolan is well aware of the G-Men's recent two-game winning streak and praised their entire team, including the offensive line that allows for such potent production.
"It's a typical New York Giant offense," Nolan said. "The line is not gigantic, but they play big. They play strong (and) they play extremely well. I think it's as well-coached of a unit as there is in the league. They play together; even just the discipline in their stances and splits, they're very disciplined all the time. It's a good-looking group."
