FLOWERY BRANCH — With a chance to advance to the divisional round of the NFC playoffs, the Falcons (10-6) face the New York Giants (9-7) in the wild-card round at 1 p.m. Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
Here is a look at how the Falcons’ defensive line matches up against the Giants’ offensive line:
Falcons' starters: Left end Ray Edwards, left tackle Corey Peters, right tackle Jonathan Babineaux, right end John Abraham.
Falcons' key reserves: Ends Kroy Biermann and Lawrence Sidbury and tackles Peria Jerry and Vance Walker.
Giants' starters: Right tackle Kareem McKenzie, right guard Chris Snee, center David Baas, left guard Kevin Boothe and left tackle David Diehl.
Giants' key reserves: Guard Mitch Petrus, tackles Tony Ugoh and James Brewer and center Jim Cordle.
Matchup to watch: Abraham vs. Diehl.
The Giants were forced to juggle their line late in the season after left tackle Will Beatty suffered a detached retina against Philadelphia on Nov. 20.
Beatty had surgery, and Diehl moved to left tackle from left guard. Boothe took over at left guard.
Diehl had been the left tackle for most of the past four seasons. After an injury to center Shaun O’Hara, the unit was shuffled last season, with Diehl landing at left guard.
The Giants’ line has played well in pass protection, but has not opened many holes in the run game. They have allowed 28 sacks (seventh lowest in the NFL) and 72 quarterback hits (13th lowest).
However, the Giants, traditionally respected for their power running game, finished the regular season averaging 89.2 yards per game, which ranked last in the league.
Cordle has been used as the “jumbo” tight end in some heavy run formations.
The Falcons have not rushed the passer well as a group. John Abraham had 9.5 of the team’s 33 sacks in the regular season. They ranked 19th in the league.
Sidbury and linebacker Sean Weatherspoon finished tied for second on the team with four sacks each.
The Falcons’ defensive line has played the run well. Teams have averaged 97 yards rushing against the Falcons, which ranked sixth in the league.
Advantage: Giants
