**
Keep an eye on these five players as the Giants face the Falcons in Week 2

QB ELI MANNING Late-game miscues aside, the Giants' offense found the end zone only once in Week 1, and that was set up by an interception return down to the 1-yard line. Now Eli Manning and company will try to bounce back from the heartbreaking loss in their home opener this Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, who defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in their first game. "I think you play in this league long enough to know that's what you have to do," Manning said. "There are going to be good games, bad games, but it's all about moving on to the next one. You have to learn from every game and you have to get ready."
![LB DEVON KENNARD
Against a talented Dallas offensive line, the Giants were shut out in the sack department in Week 1 and only registered one quarterback hit, which was credited to Devon Kennard. It wasn't enough for the Giants last week, and it won't be this time against Pro Bowl quarterback Matt Ryan and the new up-tempo system under offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan.
"I think it's something we can change and we will change this week," said Kennard, who had 4.5 sacks last season as a rookie. "We definitely want to put some pressure and make it hard for No. 2 [Ryan] back there. So I think we're up to the task."](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/yt4hl3y4ywgev5qyp2ps.jpg)
LB DEVON KENNARD Against a talented Dallas offensive line, the Giants were shut out in the sack department in Week 1 and only registered one quarterback hit, which was credited to Devon Kennard. It wasn't enough for the Giants last week, and it won't be this time against Pro Bowl quarterback Matt Ryan and the new up-tempo system under offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan. "I think it's something we can change and we will change this week," said Kennard, who had 4.5 sacks last season as a rookie. "We definitely want to put some pressure and make it hard for No. 2 [Ryan] back there. So I think we're up to the task."

CB DOMINIQUE RODGERS-CROMARTIE While the front tries to get more pressure, cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will look to follow up a big Week 1 performance in which he had six solo tackles, a pass breakup, and a 57-yard fumble return for a touchdown. The Giants will need another strong outing from Rodgers-Cromartie as one of the top receiving tandems comes to town in Julio Jones and Roddy White. "Real big," DRC said of the challenge. "I call those guys game-changers. Those are guys that definitely can wreck the game, they can beat you short, long, or however they want to. You have to get up and challenge them. One thing they do well is get the ball in space and make something happen."

WR DWAYNE HARRIS While coaches admire Preston Parker's grit, the wide receiver didn't have his best game in Dallas. That could lead to more snaps for Dwayne Harris in the slot this week. "Well, we certainly want to see the ball caught and not dropped," coach Tom Coughlin said. "We'll see how practice goes this week. Dwayne Harris will get more opportunities, but we'll see." "Yeah, Dwayne is getting reps in there," offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo added Thursday. "He has been getting reps in there."

WR ODELL BECKHAM JR. After missing the first four games last season, Odell Beckham Jr. began his AP Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign against Atlanta in Week 5. He recorded four receptions for 44 yards and his first NFL touchdown in the 30-20 victory over the Falcons. In his first game of Year 2 -- which was only his 13th game overall -- Beckham had five catches for 44 yards on eight targets against Dallas. He and the Giants will try to boost those numbers on Sunday. "Just something to get the team going," Beckham said. "Whether it is a big run or it is a big pass or whatever it is, we just need to do more to fire this team up and play better and finish games."
For you, where does 1990 rank among the best overall seasons in Giants history? ** -Frankie
Dear Frankie:
It's certainly in the top five, depending on your personal preference. In my opinion, the 1986 season is No. 1, because it ended a 30-year championship drought. And that included arguable the darkest period in franchise history, from 1964-80. The dominant performance in Super Bowl XXI was cathartic for Giants. After that, you can really choose any of the other three season that ended with Super Bowl victories: 1990, 2007, and 2011. Or if you prefer to look backward, pick 1956. In both 1990 and 2007, the Giants defeated the team that was the overwhelming favorite to win the Lombardi Trophy – two-time defending champion San Francisco in 1990, undefeated New England 17 years later. The 1990 team was more dominate in the regular season, the 2007 team made a more unlikely postseason run. So choose one. And there's the 2011 season…
>>ASK YOUR QUESTIONS TO EISENS MAILBAGGreat news! It looks like Eli Manning will be a Giant for the rest of his career. How has Eli's game evolved since he first came into the league, and do you foresee any additional changes/adjustments in his game over the next 5 years?
-Tom
Dear Tom:
He's evolved in so many ways. Manning has a higher completion percentage, he puts fewer balls up for grabs, he throws a more accurate deep ball, he draws fewer delay of game penalties, he has complete control of the Giants' offense, he has learned how to strengthen and take care of his throwing arm, he can dissect a defense both while watching tape in his meticulous preparation and on the field, and he's the unquestioned leader of both the offense and the team. And that's an incomplete list. Anyone who holds the game job for 12 years should grow and improve. Manning continues to do that every season.