The Falcons are tied for the league lead in turnovers with 10. The Giants are tied for the lead in takeaways with nine, including a league-high seven interceptions.
The Falcons likely will have to halt those trends if they hope to end their nine-game losing streak in outdoor games when the play at New York on Sunday.
“The NFL is a passing game right now but still the No. 1 stat is turnovers,” Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter said. “You can throw all you want but you can’t turn the ball over.”
Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan has completed more passes of 20 yards or longer (20) than any quarterback in the league. But his interception percentage (3.3 ) is better than just 10 NFL starters.
Ryan is tied for the league lead in interceptions with five, all of which came during losses to the Bengals and Vikings. Ryan had two interceptions against the Vikings and three against the Bengals.
Both of Ryan’s interceptions against the Vikings came with the Falcons trying to overcome a fourth-quarter deficit in the 41-28 defeat. All three interceptions against Cincinnati appeared to be poor throws, though the Falcons were down 24-10 in the final minute when Ryan threw the last pick.
The Falcons have lost four fumbles this season. Antone Smith, Julio Jones, Levine Toilolo and Devonta Freeman gave away one each.
Koetter said the Falcons analyze each turnover in an effort to correct them. He said the interceptions aren’t necessarily Ryan’s fault.
“It’s pretty obvious when a ball is fumbled (who is at fault),” Koetter said. “On an interception, it can be a bad throw, it can be the quarterback under pressure, it can be miscommunication on a route, a receiver not being in the right spot. We talk about all of them and we try to fix them moving forward. “
Giants cornerback Prince Amukamara and safety Antrel Rolle have two interceptions each. Amukamara also has been credited with seven passes defended and Giants cornerback Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie has six passes defended.
“Turnover battle is huge for us every week, but specifically this week against a defense this that has been as opportunistic as they have been,” Ryan said. “We’ve got to focus on protecting the ball.”
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