Usually i endorse home dogs wholeheartedly...however you cant really take them blindly without making a case for them to win the game (i didnt take NYJ or Dallas yesterday b/c i didnt think they could win...opposite my thoughts on KC)
Find me reasons why Atlanta can keep it close? I cant and that scares me a little bit.
They cant score, they cant run, they cant throw, they cant stop anyone....you cannot handicap special teams or turnovers unless you are going against a team with Devin Hester or Dante Hall in his prime or a very ball hawking defense with a mistake prone QB...neither of which we have tonight.
The matchup of the Atlanta offensive line + Harrington vs the Giants defense is like the perfect storm for Atlanta (in a negative way). The Giants have turned themselves into one of the best pass rushing units in the game. They are now lining up 4 d-ends across the d line with a singular focus to rush the passer, disrupt timing patterns, force quick throws, get sacks, etc. The best way to neutralize a strong pass rush is to run right at the defenders and keep them back on their heels, make them wait a half second before committing to the pass rush. Warrick Dunn and Jerrious Norwood are not the two to do it, especially not when your other weapons (crumpler, roddy white, joe horn, michael jenkins) can all be handled in single coverage if the Giants decide to rush 4, keep the LBs close to spy dunn/norwood out of the backfield on passing plays.
Joey Harrington holds the ball too long. He is very sack prone (see Jax game two weeks ago). If they play Leftwich, he makes too many mistakes (which is why he isnt in Jax anymore).
This is an awful matchup for Atlanta on so many levels and I havent even written about the Jacobs/Ward combo.
I've watched the Giants for the full 60 the past two weeks (v Philly and v Jets) and they are a very different team then they what i saw vs Dallas and GB in weeks one and two (no jacobs will do that to a team). They are much more balanced offensively and Eli is getting better and better each week.
The Giants/Falcons series has been dominated by the road team the last few times out. The Giants play well in domes...always play well in StL, Minny, and Atl.
I havent played the Giants yet...but I will at some point through out the day.
If any of you can make a solid argument for the Falcons to keep this game close, I'm all ears...and by solid argument i dont mean "home dog mnf...have to take them". I want to hear about game planning, Petrino's offense...sell me on Joey Harrington. Prove that Atlanta can stop the Giants running game.