The Atlanta Falcons had a terrible showing in the opening week, but it is excusable. They had not had any reps together as a starting unit and lacked rhythm on both sides of the ball, specifically offensively. Even last week, they were playing against the most formidable team in the league and hung with them until costly mistakes rendered their comeback attempt futile. This week marks the third week of the Arthur Smith experiment in Atlanta. And this is where everything needs to come together. The Falcons are facing a New York Giants team, struggling to finish games from week to week. This week needs to be when the Atlanta Falcons establish their offensive identity.
Atlanta Falcons Have Opportunity to Establish Offensive Identity vs. New York Giants
O-Line and Run Game Established Early
With the team blitzing only 20 percent of defensive snaps through the first two weeks, former XFL quarterback, and now Washington Football Team quarterback, Taylor Heinicke sat in the pocket and picked the New York defense apart. The Giants were not able to accumulate one hit on Heinicke throughout the whole game. The Atlanta Falcons have had their struggles along the offensive line. They are well documented. But last week, the offensive line showed that they are not a total liability: Only letting through one sack against a vaunted Tampa Bay front seven.
After dealing with Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargrave, Vita Vea, and Ndamukong Suh, the Falcons interior linemen are ready for a break. They might get it this week as the spine of this Giants defense (Interior Lineman, Linebackers, and Safeties) is among the weaker in the NFL. The lone bright spots are Leonard Williams and Logan Ryan. While on the outside, defensive ends Azeez Olujari and Lorenzo Carter have severely underwhelmed at the beginning of this season.
Antonio Gibson ran the ball 13 times for 69 yards, averaging 5.3 yards-per-carry. Arthur Smith could not establish the run last week as the Falcons fell behind quickly to the Bucs. Expect Mike Davis to have his best game as a Falcon against these weak Giants linebackers.
Backup J.D. McKissic only had four carries for ten yards, but that was not where the bulk of his production came. Most of his impact came from catching the football out of the backfield, gaining the second-most receiving yards with 83 on five receptions. After last week against the Bucs, expect Arthur Smith to utilize offensive weapon Cordarrelle Patterson early and often.
Kyle Pitts and Calvin Ridley Breakout
On the outside, Terry McLaurin abused the New York Giant secondary to the tune of 11 receptions for 107 yards and a touchdown. McLaurin’s game bears a resounding resemblance to Calvin Ridley’s as both use their impressive route-running to force separation against defenders. Ridley has been underwhelming this season through the first two games, an indictment on the offense. Expect this week to be the first of many examples that show why Calvin Ridley is still one of the top receivers in the league.
Another underwhelming performer for this offense has been the fourth overall pick, Kyle Pitts. He finally had a game worth talking about last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He led all Falcons receivers with 73 yards on five receptions. The highlight being an impressive one-handed snag for 24 yards that converted a crucial third and seven. With safety Logan Ryan looming in the back end of that Giants secondary, it is tough to say that Pitts will completely dominate the Giants. But it is even tougher to say that this weak Giants defense will have enough in the tank to stop Kyle Pitts for four quarters. Eventually, this Giants defense will wear down and allow the opponent back into it as they have the first two weeks. No, I am not talking about the Falcons this time. Expect both Pitts and Ridley to have their first 100-yard games in this game.
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Prediction
35-20 Falcons
Daniel Jones and this Giants offense are not to be trusted. Their play-caller, Jason Garrett, has always had questions about his effectiveness, dating back to his Dallas days. This season has been no different. The consistency of this offense cannot be trusted, even with Jones playing a good game against the Washington Football Team. This offense is lead by the same quarterback that played 16 games last year and was only able to produce 11 touchdowns alongside ten interceptions. Dean Pees and this Falcons defense struggled against Jalen Hurts and his mobility in week one. Expect the Falcons to learn from their mistakes and contain Jones to the pocket this week.
The Falcons offense has had three weeks now to lick their wounds. There is no reason why they should not have their first 30-point game of the year against this defense. This week is the chance for Atlanta to create momentum as they enter a favorable part of their schedule. If the Atlanta Falcons do not establish an offensive identity this week, it will be tough to imagine this offense or this team looking good against any of their opponents this season.
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