Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez vs. Giants LB Michael Boley: When the Falcons faced the Giants on Nov. 22, 2009, Gonzalez was a major factor, catching eight passes for 82 yards. Boley also had a strong game with 13 tackles and a sack. "I guess he'll match up against me a couple of times, especially in that cover-2 man," Gonzalez said. "He comes down and takes me. He can guard; he's good at it." Boley was not re-signed in free agency after the 2008 season in part because of his pass-coverage skills. Something has to give.
Falcons LT Will Svitek vs. Giants DE Jason Pierre-Paul: Pierre-Paul had a strong season when injuries slowed Justin Tuck (groin and neck) and Osi Umenyiora (knee and ankle). He finished with 16.5 sacks and was selected to the Pro Bowl. He joined Pro Football Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor and Michael Strahan as the only Giants to record at least 16 sacks in a season. Svitek, who has fared well against some of the league's elite pass rushers, will get some help from a tight end or running back against Pierre-Paul.
Falcons LB Curtis Lofton vs. Giants RBs Ahmad Bradshaw, Brandon Jacobs and D.J. Ware: Lofton posted a career-high 167 tackles and had double-digit tackles in 10 games. In addition to playing the run, he has played well in coverage and returned an interception 26 yards for a touchdown against Tampa Bay last week. The Giants rushed for only 89.2 yards per game this season, but have run the ball better late in the regular season. They have averaged 105.3 yards rushing over their past four games and have scored six rushing touchdowns. Jacobs ran for 101 yards and two touchdowns against Dallas on Dec. 11.
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