Here is a look at how the Falcons’ running backs match up against the Giants’ linebackers.
Falcons starters: Running back Michael Turner and fullback Mike Cox.
Falcons reserves: Jacquizz Rodgers, Jason Snelling and Antone Smith.
Giants starters: Weakside Mathias Kiwanuka, middle Chase Blackburn and strongside Michael Boley
Giants reserves: Greg Jones, Spencer Paysinger, Jacquian Williams and Mark Herzlich.
Matchup to watch: Turner vs. Blackburn
The Giants gave up 121.3 yards per game, which ranked 19th in the NFL, this season.
Blackburn is a former special-teams player who was out of the league when he re-signed with the Giants on Nov. 30. He started the last four games of the season and had 21 tackles and a pass defensed. Jones had been the starter at middle linebacker.
Boley, who played for the Falcons from 2005-08, is the Giants’ second-leading tackler with 91 tackles. Kiwanuka is their fourth-leading tackler with 81.
“That’s a good group,” Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey said. “Michael Boley is playing as well as I’ve seen him play in the last couple of years. I think he’s playing at a much higher level than the last time we faced them.”
Boley had 13 tackles and a sack two seasons ago in a Giants’ 34-31 victory. Blackburn had seven tackles in that game.
“[Kiwanuka] is a defensive linemen playing linebacker,” Mularkey said. “When he blitzes and gets a running start, he’s a load to try to block. They do a good job with their schemes in getting some mismatches with him. He’s very good at what they are using him for.”
The Falcons got their rushing attack rolling in the regular-season finale as Turner rambled for 172 yards on 17 carries. He scored on runs of 1 and 81 yards.
The Falcons averaged 114.6 yards rushing per game, which ranked 17th in the league.
In the previous meeting, Turner did not play because of a high ankle sprain. Snelling ran for 76 yards on 25 carries and scored two touchdowns.
Advantage: Falcons
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