Falcons middle linebacker Paul Worrilow, like he did on that key third down against the Eagles, must “Rise Up” and help take away the Giants’ rushing attack in order to make their offense one dimensional.
Running backs Rashad Jennings and Andre Williams, both 230-pounders, slammed through the Falcons’ defense for a bruising 120 yards on 30 carries in last season’s game.
If the Giants can establish the run, quarterback Eli Manning will be free to slice up the secondary.
“They have some running backs who have good vision,” Worrilow said. “We are definitely going to have to pay attention to how they feel the game out there.”
The Giants also have former New England running back Shane Vereen.
“He’s a target out of the backfield,” said Worrilow, who’s also 230 pounds. “We have to just be aware of the different things they bring into the game.”
The Eagles didn’t test the Falcons’ run defense last week. They had just 16 rushes for 63 yards with DeMarco Murray finishing with eight rushes for 9 yards.
Jennings and Williams combined to rush 19 times for 66 yards against Dallas last Sunday. Vereen had three carries for 14 yards and caught four passes for 46 yards.
Worrilow led the Falcons with 13 tackles against the Eagles.
With the game on the line with 3:14 to play, he sliced through the line and dropped Eagles running back Ryan Mathews for no gain on third-and-1. The Eagles subsequently missed a 44-yard field goal attempt.
“Just learning the personnel is going to be important,” Worrilow said.
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