Giants Vs. Falcons: Scouting Report & Game Plan

Oct 5, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (95) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) late in the second half at MetLife Stadium. New York Giants defeat the Atlanta Falcons 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

Defensive Game Plan:

The Falcons weakest link is the offensive line so the Giants have to pressure Matt Ryan. The more pass rush the Giants can generate from their four man rush the better. Aggressiveness can put a lot of pressure on the Giants secondary but Spagnuolo will want to be in attack mode. That is why this is the perfect game for a heaping helping of zone blitzing.

The zone blitz is the best of two worlds for the Giants. They get to cover the Falcons weapons, and they get to generate pressure on the passer. By incorporating a blitz in a lot of cover 3 and cover 2 looks the Giants make it hard for the Falcons to throw deep down the field. It is no knock on Amukamara and Rodgers-Cromartie but if they have to man up on Jones and White all game long, there will be a couple of big plays given up. Spagnuolo will have to mix it up but I like a heavy dose of the zone blitz in this game.

On first downs the Falcons love that quick slant to Jones. The Giants are going to have to have their outside linebacker take that play away by being in the area that route goes to. It is insane how many yards the Falcons have racked up on that play over the years. The Giants need to stop the rushing attack to make the Falcons one dimensional. If the Falcons have to pass, pass rush can kill them. Blitzing the strong side is a good idea against the run. The Falcons are going to want to run where they have the numbers advantage and blitzing the point of attack can stuff runs in the backfield.

Next: Offensive Game Plan