Five Ways The Giants Could Lose vs. Falcons

A bad call on third down, an absent two-minute defense, and one loss later, and we’re on to Week 2…

This week, the Giants host the Falcons in their Meadowlands opener. I think Big Blue’s in a good spot heading into the season’s second week. If Week 1 is any indication, this looks like a team out to prove people wrong, and that extra motivation can help them this Sunday fresh off a loss. And being that they’re hosting a dome team, albeit a good one, on the road is also an advantage.

I like the Giants in this matchup, though I know this game could fall fast out of their favor for a few reasons. I list them here:

If Julio Jones is Julio Jones

Dec 28, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) runs with the ball against the Carolina Panthers during the first half at the Georgia Dome. The Panthers defeated the Falcons 34-3. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Any football fans who’ve just started watching the game for the past year or two—you might have just missed out on watching the best receiver of the last fifteen years in his prime: Calvin Johnson.

However, you’re witnessing the next best thing in Julio Jones—and he’ll be in New York Sunday.

Jones is one of those rare players you can’t devise a game plan to stop. Along with the likes of Aaron Rodgers and Rob Gronkowski, you just kind of have to hope this guy loses concentration on a few key plays. Otherwise, he could singlehandedly win the game for Atlanta.

I thought the Giants corners did a solid job against Dez Bryant and Co. last Sunday. But if this team’s going to have any chance containing Jones, they’ll need a repeat performance from their corners and improved safety play. If not, we could be looking at another multi-touchdown game for Jones and a team deep in an 0-2 hole.

Next: If Atlanta's Run Game Gets Going