Atlanta At New York Giants: 5 Things To Know

For these Atlanta Falcons, it would seem to be déjà vu all over again.

Injuries to the offensive line, amongst other areas of concern on the roster, have prompted changes which have included many starters being placed on the Injured Reserve list.

That is not something this team wanted to face this season, and certainly did not want to deal with before facing a New York Giants team that may have found its offensive stride last week.

Mike Tice, the Falcons offensive line coach, has a different take on the revamped line and the thought that he believes the team will be fine and able to move on.

It's not just the number of years Tice has been in the league, according to atlantafalcons.com, but also the players he's coached, including Carimi, while serving as the Bears offensive line coach in 2011. Fast forward to 2014, when Tice has since reunited with Carimi and relied on his versatility, having seen him play four different positions this season.

"I like where he's at physically," Tice said of Carimi. "I've always liked where he's at mentally; he brings a toughness and a work ethic. We're going to be fine with Gabe; a lot of people forget that he was a first-round pick (Chicago's 29th overall pick in 2011) and an Outland Trophy Winner."

Can these Falcons get back on track after losing to the Vikings and give the Giants all they can handle?

Here are five things to know about this game.

BLALOCK, DOUGLAS WILL NOT PLAY

Head coach Mike Smith has ruled out guard Justin Blalock (back) and wide receiver Harry Douglas (foot) for Sunday's game at New York, as the two were not able to practice at all this week.

Blalock will be missing his first start in 102 games as the longest current streak among Falcons comes to an end. The likely replacement for Blalock in Sunday's game is Harland Gunn, who played in three games in 2013 and started 2014 on the team's practice squad.

Douglas will be missing his second straight game with a foot injury suffered in the Week 3 win over Tampa Bay.

WR Devin Hester, WR Julio Jones, S Kemal Ishmael and LB Prince Shembo, all part of the Week 5 injury report, are listed as probable for Sunday.

BECKHAM REMAINS A QUESTION MARK BUT COULD SEE PLAYING TIME

According To BigblueView.com, Offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo will be happy to add Beckham to Eli Manning's arsenal of pass-catching weapons if Beckham suits up on Sunday.

"He's looked good, it's nice to have him out here," McAdoo said on Thursday. "He has a unique skill set, we like the way he can get in and out of routes. He has some explosiveness to him, he plucks the ball pretty well. It will be his first game action, so it will nice to see him out there and we will take it slow with him."

MANNING MUST COME THROUGH, AGAIN

After a slow start to the 2014 campaign, the New York Giants look to be clicking and Eli Manning starting to play better football, but can they keep with the current success?

For weeks, Manning has looked out of sorts with the new Giants offense that has been designed by Ben McAdoo after former offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride retired from the job. Now, Manning – who caught fire against the Redskins – must show he is past the honeymoon stage and can do it again for a second straight game.

TURNOVER BATTLE

The Falcons must take care of the ball.

The Giants won the turnover battle last week and won the game. Each of their two wins have been situations where the defense won the turnover game.

The Giants had four interceptions and two fumble recoveries in the win over Washington. They also had three interceptions against the Texans.

GIANTS WIN

Playing in New York is tough enough. The injuries continue to mount for the Falcons. I still think this is a close game, but in the end, Manning’s sudden rise makes New York a team to watch. Matt Ryan may work miracles, but in the end, the defense of the Giants will prevail.

GIANTS 28 FALCONS 24