Falcons vs. Giants: 5 Halftime Adjustments for Atlanta

Here we are. Falcons-Giants with one half of football left to determine which team will advance to play next week, and which team's offseason starts today.

Mike Smith and Matt Ryan are 0-2 in the playoffs together, and another loss today could sow seeds of doubt about their ability to ultimately bring a championship back to Georgia.

The game is on a razer's edge right now. Here are five adjustments Atlanta should make to get Smith and Ryan their first playoff wins.

1. Prepare for more pressure.

With Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora and Jason Pierre-Paul, New York has a three-headed monster at defensive end. In the second half, expect Giants Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell to keep mixing and matching his personnel on the line to try to confuse Matt Ryan and get pressure.

Atlanta should be ready with some plays to take advantage of the Giants' eagerness to rush the passer. Run the ball right at Tuck and Umenyiora (who might not be at full strength) when they line up in the interior. And on passing downs, be ready with three-step drops and back-shoulder fades – quick developing routes that Ryan can deliver before the pocket collapses.

2. Hold onto the ball!

Atlanta has at least two drops in the early going. With New York's defense apparently keyed up and ready to go, the Falcons can't be giving away yards. 

Excuse the first half miscues as a result of playoff nervousness if you want. But in the second half, the Falcons need to get into the flow of the game and start making plays.

3. Deliver the ball to White and Jones.

As the year has progressed, Roddy White and Julio Jones have emerged as major play-makers for the Falcons. Early in the game, neither were being targeted enough. Already, the Falcons have started to rectify the situation.

In the second half, New York's secondary should continue to be vulnerable as the Giants rely on zone coverage to mask their lack of individual talent. Ryan is capable of delivering the ball into the gaps, and Jones and White can turn completions into big plays.

4. Finish a drive.

Atlanta has been stopped on a fourth and inches and decided to punt on another fourth and short. The score could easily be 14-7 now if Atlanta had been able to extend either of those drives with a key play. Nothing too strategic here. Short yardage is about attitude and for the success Atlanta has had moving the ball, they've lacked the 'killer instinct' if you will (or maybe just the luck) to get in the end zone.

5. Shut Brandon Jacob up.

Eli Manning may get most of the press, but Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw are the heart and soul of the Giants' offense. In the second half, Atlanta will have to plug the gaps in their defensive line, perhaps bringing eight men into the box, to keep New York's rushing game in check.

If New York is allowed to keep grinding out first downs, they may not see enough of the ball to make a comeback.