The Atlanta Falcons Try To Regroup Against the New York Giants

Starting the season, this match-up stood out to me. My expectations were that if the Falcons could win this game they would be contenders. After 10 weeks in this NFL season, the value has changed.

The Falcons are playing like a team that just can't get in sync. They started the season 4-1 and appeared to be a legitimate contender in the NFC as many had expected, then came the downward spiral.

Just as the Falcons found their running game and seemed to be clicking on all cylinders, their second year "face of the franchise" hit a slump. Even with Pro Bowl running back Michael Turner averaging 142 yards a game over the past three weeks, Matt Ryan has been very unstable at best.

And what's worse? Turner went out in the second quarter last week against the Panthers and isn't expected back for at least this week's contest against the Giants.

The Giants are having much of the same problem this season as the Falcons. Expected to take the NFC East by most, they have fallen into the same spiral that effected the Falcons.

They have lost four of their last five as well including four in a row. During that stretch their quarterback Eli Manning has been very inconsistant. The fourth quarter was once his strength,now it's his weakness.

Another of their issues has been the play of that talent filled defense. Many in New York are calling for the head of linebacker Antonio Pierce as a result. They have had a bye week to prepare for this struggling Atlanta offense.

THE ICE HAS STARTED MELTING

In his last five games, Matty "Ice" has taken a nose dive in his progression. He is playing scared and not planting his feet when he throws. During this time frame Ryans' mistakes are crushing the teams chances to pull games out in the end.

He is 96 of 175 (54.8 percent) for 1031 yards seven TDs 10 INTs during that stretch. Several of his interceptions cost the Falcons the game in the fourth quarter, the quarter where great quarterbacks shine.

He has not appeared the be the same quarterback at all. I went back and watched the week two meeting with the Panthers at home and then back to last Sundays game. The biggest difference was his mechanics.

In Atlanta, Ryan changed one play to a quick crossing post by Gonzalez for a touchdown at the line of scrimmage. He did with using his cadence drawing the blitzers in and reading their intent. He planted his feet on a three step drop and delivered the mail like a professional.

In Carolina, with a similar set, Jake Delhomme used his cadence to draw in the blitzers and made the exact same pass to Jeff King for a large gain. The Panthers watched tape of Ryan, and Delhomme used that same play to hurt the Falcons.

The difference was they saw something that worked on tape and used it. The Falcons haven't followed suit. So, is it the offensive line? Are the receivers not getting open? Is it the play calling? The Falcons better figure it out soon because their "face" is drowning out there.

GIANTS OWNER UPSET WITH HIS SCHEDULE

Owner John Mara came out earlier this week to complain about the Giants schedule. In particular, his trip to Denver for a Thursday night game against the Broncos.

"It's not an ideal situation," Mara told the New York Daily News. "I don't mind playing on Thanksgiving. My complaint is sending us all the way to Denver on a short week."

All I can say John is when you have to face four teams coming off their bye weeks, three of which at their home, you have a right to complain. Getting a Thanksgiving game isn't a cause for complaint. Especially when your team comes in refreshed from their bye, at home, against a team that has struggled against teams coming of their bye weeks, at home.

KICKING THE HABITS

Not only does Ryan need to kick his habit of not planting his feet and making the correct reads, but kicker Jason Elam needs to kick his habit of shanking the ball. His percentage of success (64 percent) looks more like what Ryans completion percentage should be going into Sunday.

When he takes the field all Falcon fans tense up. He's one of the best the NFL has ever seen, but he and Ryan both appear to have problems getting it done. It could be attributed to a young, inexperienced long snapper or the way punter Michael Koenan sets the ball. Either way, it needs to be corrected in a hurry.

THE PREDATOR REDUCED TO PREY

The Falcons are still looking for signs of life out of veteran John Abraham. He doesn't appear to be injured, but he's playing worse now than when he was dealing with his groin. That's pretty mind boggling being a male just thinking about that pain.

If the Falcons expect to win Sunday, they must get pressure on Manning. It's up to Abraham to take this game on his shoulders and lead the charge.

TAKING WHAT THE OFFENSE GIVES YOU

I'm so sick of this saying. You take what you're given. So when exactly do you impose your will against your opponent?

Watching Delhomme sit back in the pocket and scan the field just infuriated me. Not just as a Falcons fan, but as an NFL fan. There is no reason anyone should have six or seven seconds in one spot to scan the field.

This week against a pretty solid Giants offense, defensive coordinator Brian Van Gorder, had better grow a pair and send the house at Manning. We all know the corners are struggling, but I like their odds of covering a receiver for three to four seconds much more than seven.

The Giants will try and establish the run so each and every play the Falcons needs to control that line of scrimmage. If it takes blitzing Lofton, Nicholas, Coleman, DeCoud, and Peterson so be it. The Panthers showed what happens when you control the line of scimmage, and they did it with a  four man front; the Falcons do not have that luxury.

SO IS THE CHEETAH HEALTHY YET?

Everything has been so hushed about the status of running back Jerious Norwood. When he's healthy, he's electric in the open field. The problem has been he hasn't been on the field much this season at all.

With Turner down the back-ups must step up. Jason Snelling has been admirable in his role as fullback, running back, and special teams ace, but it's time for him to show he can endure the punishment of a starting back in this league.

Norwood has proven he cannot make it 20 carries in a game without going down to some random injury but his presence on the field causes defensive coordinators to scramble and make sure he has enough athletes on the field to counter that speed.

WHO TO WATCH?

Corey Webster vs. Roddy White 

White is having another fine year. His main problem has been Ryan getting him the ball on the run. Roddy has been forced to sit down on routes or run comebacks to the ball. He's much more effective on the move. Webster is a smart corner and if Ryan isn't careful, he could create turnovers against Corey.

David Deihl vs. John Abraham

As much as Abraham has been held this season I don't believe it matters who he lines up against. Deihl has had some issues this season and can be beaten. If Abraham can unnerve Manning from the blindside the Falcons could take advantage of some rushed plays.

Brandon Jacobs vs. Curtis Lofton

Lofton at present is leading the league in tackles and he will be facing a freight train Sunday. It will be interesting to watch these two collide. One thing is certain, neither will back down from the challenge.

Fred Robbins vs. Todd McClure

This match-up truly scares me. I don't believe McClure has the physical strength to compete with Robbins. He will require attention from Harvey Dahl to keep contain which give either Justin Tuck or Osi Umenyiora one on one against the Falcons tackles.

Hakeem Nicks vs. Tye Hill

Finally a match-up I like for Hill. Granted he will be covering a rookie, but his speed will help him stay attached

SO WHO WILL WIN?

As much as I'd love to say the Falcons pull this one off. I do not expect that to be the case. No Michael Turner, Ryan regressing, the secondary in shambles and the Giants at home coming off a bye is just too much to take Atlanta.

NEW YORK 31, ATLANTA 23

The Falcons are a much better team at home. If they can manage to win out at home the will atleast achieved back to back winning seasons. But whoever made the schedule this season really wanted the Falcons out of the playoffs.

Three NFC EAST team off their bye weeks just wreaks of sabotage in an up and down NFC conference.