It’s natural speculation when one team has scored 75 points in its last two games and the other team has the league’s top-rated offense and lit up the Buccaneers for 56 points two weeks ago.
But ask members of the Giants’ defense if they’re wary of an offensive shootout Sunday when they face the Falcons at MetLife Stadium and it’s taken as an insult. A shootout against Matt Ryan on Sunday might be exciting for the fans, but it would erase all the positive strides the Giants’ defense made at Washington last week. It would be the equivalent of taking two steps back after moving two steps forward.
“It’s our job to keep it from being that,” defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins said when asked if he envisioned a high-scoring game. “Everything they’ve shown is that they can move the ball up and down the field and to say we’re going to stop it would just be lip service. We’ve got to go out there and prove it.”
The Giants’ offense seems to have found a rhythm in beating the Texans 30-17 and Washington 45-14 over the last two weeks.
Their new West Coast offense looks like it’s just scratching the surface of its potential. Rookie wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. could see his first action of the season. His presence could be valuable if the game does indeed turn into a shootout.
“I think we have improved every week and that’s good, but we’ve got to keep improving,” quarterback Eli Manning said. “We’ve got to keep growing within the offense. Not every game’s going to be the same. … Last week was great and fun and the defense is getting interceptions, turnovers and we’re moving the ball and scoring. Not every game is going to be like that, but it still can be effective. We’ve got to find ways to play smart, protect the football and score touchdowns when we get opportunities.”
The Giants’ offense should hold-up in a shootout. But that would mean the Giants’ defense is on skates. The Falcons, 2-2 after 41-28 loss at Minnesota Sunday, come in wounded having lost two starting offensive linemen. The Giants will look to take advantage, hoping its pass rush headed by defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul will conjure nostalgic memories from Osi Umenyiora, who plays his former team for the first time.
But nothing can be taken for granted. The Giants’ defense isn’t a proven commodity yet. It looked ill-prepared against the Lions, better against the Cardinals and much improved against the Texans and Washington. But the unit still needs a signature game to show it still can be the backbone of the team the way it has been for decades. Generating six turnovers against an overmatched Kirk Cousins is one thing. Beating Matt Ryan would be bigger feather.
“They’re legit,” defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka said. “We know what Matt Ryan is all about. I played with him at [Boston College]. He’s got a Master’s degree on how to handle the huddle.”
The Falcons average 444 net yards behind a versatile running game and the explosive combination of Julio Jones and Roddy White at wide receiver and versatile group of running backs led by Stephen Jackson. Yet, Atlanta has a history of not playing well on the road, something the Giants would like to see continue.
“They’re a great offense,” safety Antrel Rolle said. “They have a great quarterback, and they have a great offensive scheme. More importantly, they have a lot of offense weapons.”
Rolle said he sees the Giants defense as a work in progress. Holding up against Ryan and the Falcons would be a step forward.
“We’re coming together as a group,” he said. “We’re just trying to go out there, play within our scheme and limit the bonehead plays that can us beat.”