Here are three matchups to watch when the Falcons (0-2) face the Giants (0-2) at 1 p.m. Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.:
Giants WR Kenny Golladay vs. Falcons CB T.J. Green: The Falcons won’t move their corners. Whether it’s Golladay, Sterling Shepard or Darius Slayton, Green will take whomever shows up on the left side of the field. The Giants signed Golladay in free agency to a four-year, $72 million deal. He’s off to a slow start and was frustrated in their last game. He was caught yelling on the sidelines at offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. Green, a former second-round pick by the Colts, has not started a game since 2017. He’s a converted safety trying to revive his once-promising career with the Falcons.
Giants RB Saquon Barkley vs. Falcons LB Deion Jones: The Giants are easing Barkley into things after he missed most of last season with a knee injury. He has rushed 23 times for 83 yards and has a long run of 41 yards. Jones is the second-leading tackler, with 15, and can cover Barkley out of the backfield on passing routes. Jones has one pass breakup this season to go with 11 career interceptions. Jones has had seven or more tackles in five of his past six games against NFC East teams.
Giants SLB Lorenzo Carter vs. Falcons TE Kyle Pitts: Carter, a former Norcross High and Georgia standout, is coming back from a ruptured Achilles sustained in Week 5 at Dallas last season. He has eight tackles and a quarterback hit. The Falcons move Pitts around so much that the traditional tight end vs. strongside linebacker matchup may not happen much. Pitts has caught nine passes for 104 yards. “This guy is really a threat with the ball in his hands; he’s definitely a weapon,” Giants coach Joe Judge said. “They can line him up out wide matched up on corners and run all the receiver routes as well, so this guy is a versatile piece.”
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Falcons’ 2021 schedule features trip to London, January trip to Buffalo
Atlanta Falcons Schedule
Falcons at New York Giants, Sept. 26 at 1 p.m.
Washington FT at Falcons, Oct. 3 at 1 p.m.
New York Jets vs. Falcons in London, Oct. 10 at 9:30 a.m.
