Falcons vs. Giants: How Brent Grimes' Absence Affects Atlanta

The Atlanta Falcons just released their list of inactive players for today’s game against the New York Giants, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Brent Grimes is the most notable player who will be sitting out this Wild Card Weekend matchup in East Rutherford.

Grimes starts opposite of Dunta Robinson at the cornerback position and his presence will be missed, especially against the dangerous wide receiver trio of Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham and Victor Cruz. 

The 2010 Pro Bowl defensive back had missed four of the past five games with soreness in his right knee but was widely expected to start today.

It’s come as a surprise that he has been ruled out and second-year cornerback Dominique Franks will get the start in his place, according to the official Twitter feed of the Atlanta Falcons.

The Giants were already favored in this game and now have an even better chance to win it all with their prolific passing attack.

Their three talented wide receivers are a nightmare to cover and the Falcons will have to rely on fourth-string CB Christopher Owens.

He should see plenty of action today, as the team will constantly be forced to have a nickel package out on the field to cover the opposing receivers.

Eli Manning is going to have a field day feasting on the inexperienced defensive backs and caught a very favorable break because of Grimes’ injury.

Atlanta possessed just the No. 20-ranked pass defense during the regular season, and are going to be worse for the wear against the No. 1 “home run” passing offense (40-or-more yard strikes) without their starting cornerback.

If the Falcons can’t pressure Eli and give him time to throw deep, it’s going to be a long afternoon.