Five storylines to follow heading into the Giants' Week 7 game in Atlanta:
1. Close isn't close enough. Coming off a Thursday night loss to the Eagles, the Giants have an extended layoff before they suit back up for another primetime game on Monday night in Atlanta. Coaches and players got a chance to get away for the weekend – Pat Shurmur went to Vanderbilt to see his son, the Commodores' quarterback, nearly upset Florida – and reflect on what went wrong in the 1-5 start. They returned to the practice field Tuesday, have the day off Wednesday, and will practice Thursday through Saturday before departing for Atlanta on Sunday.
"Some of it is, I think we need to play better, I think we need to coach better, and we're certainly not happy with the record," Shurmur said. "I feel like when you're close in games, you look back on plays here and plays there, and close isn't enough. We've got to try to find a way to get it over the top."
Shurmur said they are always looking at new things to do with schemes, including finding the right combination of players. It is a work in progress six games into the new regime.
"I think we have a much better feeling for who the players are and how they respond to a win and how we're responding to losses, how hard guys work and their competitive spirit and all that, and then what guys can and can't do," Shurmur said. "As you know, we're constantly changing up the roster, there's been a lot of change from a year ago, and we just have to get everybody on the same page doing the things necessary to win games."
2. NFC South gauntlet. The NFC South sent three teams to the postseason a year ago, and the Giants will have faced all of them in a four-week span this season. Already losing to the Saints and Panthers in back-to-back games, they take on a 2-4 Falcons team coming off a 34-29 victory against the Buccaneers. Those three teams are also all led by elite quarterbacks. Drew Brees recently became the all-time passing yards leader, Cam Newton is a former league MVP, and so is Matt Ryan, who is completing nearly 70 percent of his passes with 14 touchdowns to just two interceptions this year. Ryan comes into Monday night with a top-10 offense in yards and scoring, but Falcons coach Dan Quinn's defense ranks 30th and 31st in those categories, respectively. The Giants are 8-4 all-time as the away team in the series, but this will be their first trip to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which opened in 2017.
3. Engram and Ellison on the mend; injury report. On Thursday night, the Giants played without Evan Engram and Rhett Ellison, their top two tight ends. But Shurmur is "hopeful they'll be back and ready to roll on Monday." Engram missed his third consecutive game because of a knee injury while Ellison was not in uniform for the first time in his two seasons with the Giants. Veterans Nate Solder, Olivier Vernon and Connor Barwin did not practice on Tuesday, but Shurmur chalked it up to wear and tear from last week. "No, I don't have any concerns as of now," he said. Rookie defensive end RJ McIntosh, the Giants' fifth-round pick, did practice for the first time since joining the team but remains on the reserve/non-football injury list.
Meanwhile, in Flowery Branch, Ga., the Falcons placed running back Devonta Freeman on injured reserve, and Quinn said that veteran kicker Matt Bryant, who injured his hamstring during a 57-yard field goal late in the Falcons' win against the Buccaneers, will likely be out this week against the Giants.
4. Saquon a bright spot in a dark start. Rookie running back Saquon Barkley has been everything the Giants thought he would be and probably a little more. The second overall draft pick accounts for six of the team's 11 touchdowns (55 percent), which speaks equally to the rookie's impact and the team's inability to find the end zone early in the season. Like Odell Beckham Jr. in 2014, Barkley is doing something historic seemingly every week, but the Giants remain just 27th in scoring at 19.5 points per game. This comes when league-wide scoring is at an all-time high.
"I don't look at those games or teams that are scoring a lot of points and say why can't we score because I really don't care how many points they score," Barkley said. "One thing I can focus on is how many points we score on offense and how many wins we can get over to this side. I guess you can say I'm aware of what other teams are doing, but I really don't care too much of what other teams are doing. Only thing that I can worry about and focus on is what am I doing for myself as a team and how I could help this team get better."
View the projected starters for Monday's game against the Falcons.
QB Matt Ryan
TE Austin Hooper
DE Takkarist McKinley
WR Julio Jones
LB Duke Riley
LT Jake Matthews
C Alex Mack
WR Mohamed Sanu
P Matt Bosher
S Damontae Kazee
RT Ryan Schraeder
LG Wes Schweitzer
LB Foyesade Oluokun
CB Robert Alford
RG Brandon Fusco
RB Tevin Coleman
K Matt Bryant
DT Grady Jarrett
DE Vic Beasley
LB DeVondre Campbell
CB Desmond Trufant
FB Ricky Ortiz
5. Defense looking at itself in mirror, too. The Giants' offense has been under the microscope, but the defense also needed to go back to the lab after giving up at least 33 points in three consecutive games. The unit is tied with the Panthers for 14th in yards allowed (358.0) while dropping to 27th in scoring (27.0). Two-time Pro Bowl safety and defensive co-captain Landon Collins was asked what he can do to get the team out of this funk.
"Try to make more plays, honestly," he said. "Being more affirmative with my play-calling, my actions, helping the defense as much as I can, making all the tackles I can, and being in the right position to make plays."
Finding the right position against the Falcons is a tall order. Atlanta has turned the ball over a league-low three times this season.
"Matt Ryan is at the top of his game this year," Collins said. "He's been doing a great job. They got Julio [Jones] – a big, tall receiver, big-time receiver. You got [Mohamed] Sanu, and you got Calvin Ridley that's doing big-time things over there. It's a good matchup. A lot of shifting motions that we have to be tuned into, and just making sure we use our eyes correctly and making sure we use those eyes to make sure we get to the right play."
View rare photos of the all-time series between the New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons.
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) breaks away from Atlanta Falcons defenders to score on a 72-yard touchdown pass during the second half of an NFL wild card playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants running back Larry Csonka (39) settles to earth atop Atlanta Falcons Ray Easterling after a 12-yard first quarter gain at Atlanta Fulton County Stadium for a first down, Sunday, Oct. 2, 1977 in Atlanta. Helping overcome Csonka are Falcon defenders Frank Reed (28), Fulton Kuykendall (54) and Ralph Ortega. (AP Photo)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Steve Bartkowski (10) is sacked by New York Giants end Dee Hardison, in Atlanta, Sept. 11, 1983. The four-yard loss came in the first quarter at Atlanta Fulton County Stadium. (AP Photo/Ric Feld)
New York Giants kicker Ali Haji-Sheikh (6) puts the winning 3 points on the scoreboard as quarterback Scott Brunner (12) holds the ball with a 30-yard field goal in overtime to beat the Atlanta Falcons, 16-13, Sept. 11, 1983. (AP Photo/Charles Kelly)
New York Giants kicker Ali Haji-Sheikh (6) leaps into the arms of quarterback Scott Brunner after kicking a 30-yard field goal to beat the Atlanta Falcons 16-13 at Atlanta Fulton County Stadium in sudden death overtime, Sept. 11, 1983. He kicked two other field goals and an extra point in their game. (AP Photo/Charles Kelly)
New York Giants' kicker Ali Haji-Sheikh (6) is congratulated by teammates Brad Van Pelt (10), Kevin Belcher (73) and Scott Brunner (12) after kicking a 30-yard field goal to beat the Atlanta Falcons 16-13 in sudden death overtime, Sept. 12, 1983. (AP Photo/Charles Kelly)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Danny Kanell (13) is brought down by New York Giants Cornelius Griffin (97) in the 4th quarter at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Sunday, Oct. 8, 2000. The Giants downed the Falcons 13-6. (AP Photo/Curtis Compton)
New York Giants' Ron Dayne (27) scores a first quarter touchdown with Atlanta Falcons Henri Crockett (94) in tow at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Sunday, Oct. 8, 2000. (AP PhotoCurtis Compton)
New York Giants' Ron Dayne (27) celebrates his first quarter touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Sunday, Oct. 8, 2000. (AP Photo/Curtis Compton)
New York Giants safety Lyle West (37) comes up with a punt return fumble in the first quarter as Atlanta Falcons' Winslow Oliver (26) comes up empty at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Sunday, Oct. 8, 2000. (AP Photo/Ric Feld)
New York Giants quarterback Kerry Collins (5) looks down field under pressure from Atlanta Falcons' Patrick Kerney (97) during first half play at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Sunday, Oct. 8, 2000. (AP Photo/Curtis Compton)
New York Giants cornerback Will Allen (25) tackles Atlanta Falcons running back Warrick Dunn (28) by the foot in the second quarter of the Falcons 27-7 win, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2003, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N. J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning looks for a receiver during the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Nov. 21, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' quarterback Eli Manning (10) rolls out of a pocket avoiding a tackle by Atlanta Falcons' Brady Smith (91 during the third quarter of play on Sunday, November, 21, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. The Falcons beat the Giants 14-10. (AP Photo/Michael Kim)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning calls an audible during the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Nov. 21, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Atlanta Falcons running back Maurice Smith (43) is hit by New York Giants defender Dewayne Patmon as he rushes in the second half in Atlanta Saturday, Aug. 17, 2002. The Falcons won 36-24. (AP Photo/Alan Mothner)
New York Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey catches a touchdown pass during the third quarter as he is surrounded by Atlanta Falcons' Chris Draft (54), Eric Johnson (56) and Cory Hall, right rear, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Falcons beat the Giants, 14-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterbacks Kurt Warner (13) and Eli Manning talk with quarterbacks coach John Hufnagel, right, during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Nov. 21, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning passes the ball as he is pressured by Atlanta Falcons defensive end Brady Smith (91) during the fourth quarter Sunday, Nov. 21, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Manning completed 17 of 37 attempts for 162 yards as the Falcons beat the Giants, 14-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey (80) scores in the second half ahead of Atlanta Falcons linebacker Ike Reese (98) during the football game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Ga., Sunday, Oct. 15, 2006. (AP Photo/Ric Feld)
New York Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey (80) jumps up to the fans after scoring a second half touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the football game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Ga., Sunday, Oct. 15, 2006. (AP Photo/Ric Feld)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick (7) and New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) pose for a photograph at the end of the football game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Ga., Sunday, Oct. 15, 2006. (AP Photo/John Amis)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) scrambles in the first half against the Atlanta Falcons during the football game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Ga., Sunday, Oct. 15, 2006. (AP Photo/Ric Feld)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs in the second half under pressure from Atlanta Falcons end Paul Carrington (91) during the football game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Ga., Sunday, Oct. 15, 2006. (AP Photo/John Amis)
New York Giants' R.W. McQuarters celebrates as he leaves the field after the Giants defeated the Atlanta Falcons 31-10 in a football game Monday, Oct. 15, 2007 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
New York Giants cornerback Aaron Ross carries the ball during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, in Atlanta, Monday, Oct. 15, 2007. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Joey Harrington, right, is sacked by New York Giants' Aaron Ross during the fourth quarter of a football game in Atlanta, Monday, Oct. 15, 2007. Atlanta lost 31-10 and went to 1-5 for the season. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Joey Harrington is sacked by New York Giants' Antonio Pierce in the second quarter of a football game Monday, Oct. 15, 2007 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)
New York Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey (80) carries the ball against Atlanta Falcons linebacker Michael Boley (59) during an NFL football game, in Atlanta, Monday, Oct. 15, 2007. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Brandon Jacobs #27 of the New York Giants runs for yardage against the Atlanta Falcons on October 15, 2007 in Atlanta, Ga. The Giants defeated the Falcons 31-10. New York defeated Atlanta 31-10. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Brandon Jacobs #27 of the New York Giants runs for yardage against the Atlanta Falcons on October 15, 2007 in Atlanta, Ga. The Giants defeated the Falcons 31-10. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
The offense of the Atlanta Falcons prepares to snap the ball at the line of scrimmage against the defense of the New York Giants on October 15, 2007 in Atlanta, Ga. The Giants defeated the Falcons 31-10. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Michael Strahan #92 of the New York Giants attempts to rush in against the Atlanta Falcons on October 15, 2007 in Atlanta, Ga. The Giants defeated the Falcons 31-10. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 15: Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants passes the football in the pocket against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on October 15, 2007 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Giants defeated the Falcons 31-10. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 15: Defensive back Aaron Ross #31 of the New York Giants jumps in the air as he intercepts the football against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on October 15, 2007 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Giants defeated the Falcons 31-10. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) carries the ball during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, in Atlanta, Monday, Oct. 15, 2007. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Shaun O'Hara #60 of the New York Giants calls out blocking assignments against the Atlanta Falcons on October 15, 2007 in Atlanta, Ga. The Giants defeated the Falcons 31-10. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce (58), tackles Atlanta Falcons quarterback Joey Harrington (13) and defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72) during an NFL football game, in Atlanta, Monday, Oct. 15, 2007. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Amani Toomer #81 of the New York Giants scores on a touchdown reception during 1st-quarter action against the Atlanta Falcons on October 15, 2007 in Atlanta, Ga. The Giants defeated the Falcons 31-10. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Amani Toomer #81 of the New York Giants runs with a reception against the Atlanta Falcons on October 15, 2007 in Atlanta, Ga. The Giants defeated the Falcons 31-10. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 15: Defensive end Michael Strahan #92 of the New York Giants runs in pursuit against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on October 15, 2007 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Giants defeated the Falcons 31-10. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
Jeremy Shockey of the New York Giants runs with a reception against the Atlanta Falcons on October 15, 2007 in Atlanta, Ga. The Giants defeated the Falcons 31-10. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Aaron Ross #31 and Michael Strahan #92 of the New York Giants sack Joey Harrington #13 of the Atlanta Falcons on October 15, 2007 in Atlanta, Ga. The Giants defeated the Falcons 31-10. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Michael Strahan #92 of the New York Giants celebrates after making a tackle against the Atlanta Falcons on October 15, 2007 in Atlanta, Ga. The Giants defeated the Falcons 31-10. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss (89) moves past Atlanta Falcons safety Thomas DeCoud (28) for a touchdown during the second quarter of the NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10), right, looks around the field during the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) celebrates with center Shaun O'Hara (60) after throwing a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won in overtime, 34-31. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss (89) runs the ball during the second quarter of the NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Atlanta Falcons center Bryan Pittman (48) greets New York Giants linebacker Zak DeOssie (51) before the start of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) gets a first down past Atlanta Falcons safety Erik Coleman (26) during overtime of the NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon (87), second from left, tries to outrun Atlanta Falcons linebacker Curtis Lofton, left, Atlanta Falcons safety Thomas DeCoud (28) and Atlanta Falcons cornerback Brent Grimes (20), right, during the first quarter of the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Michael Jenkins (12) can't hold on onto the ball over New York Giants cornerback Corey Webster (23) during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss (89), second from left, celebrates his second touchdown with New York Giants running back Danny Ware (28), left, during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, center, fumbles the ball as he is hit by New York Giants defensive tackle Barry Cofield (96) and defensive end Justin Tuck (91) in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants recovered the ball on the play. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) scores a touchdown past Atlanta Falcons safety Erik Coleman (26) during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws under pressure from New York Giants defensive tackle Fred Robbins (98) and New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) picks up a first down while being tackled by Atlanta Falcons safety Erik Coleman, bottom left, and cornerback Brent Grimes (20) in the third quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon (87) signals first down against the Atlanta Falcons during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday November 22, 2009
(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) fumbles the ball while being pressured by New York Giants defensive tackle Barry Cofield (96), top, and New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) is pushed out of bounds by Atlanta Falcons safety Erik Coleman (26) after gaining a first down in overtime of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) pulls down a four yard touchdown pass against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dominique Franks (24) during the first half of an NFL wild card playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants guard David Diehl (66) hugs Eli Manning after his 27-yard touchdown pass to Mario Manningham during the second half of an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Fans cheer as New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) runs into the end zone to score on a 72-yard touchdown pass during the second half of an NFL wild card playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. right is Atlanta Falcons defensive end Kroy Biermann. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks celebrates after scoring on a 72-yard touchdown pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of an NFL wild card playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Atlanta Falcons free safety Thomas DeCoud (28) tries to stop New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw on a 30-yard run during the second half of an NFL wild card playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) celebrates his 27-yard touchdown pass against Atlanta Falcons with teammate Hakeem Nicks during the second half of an NFL wild card playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) pulls in a 27-yard touchdown pass against Atlanta Falcons strong safety James Sanders (36) and Dunta Robinson during the second half of an NFL wild card playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning looks as he takes the ball on a running play against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of an NFL wild card playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks indicates a first down after a 19-yard reception against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of an NFL wild card playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) pass against defender Atlanta Falcons defensive end Kroy Biermann (71) during the first half of an NFL wild card playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning scrambles to pass during the first half of an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) breaks away from Atlanta Falcons defenders to score on a 72-yard touchdown pass during the second half of an NFL wild card playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs, right, breaks away from Atlanta Falcons safety William Moore during the first half of an NFL wild card playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) evades a tackle by Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dominique Franks (24) during the second half of an NFL wild card playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) is chased by Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Sean Weatherspoon (56) during the first half of an NFL wild card playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks celebrates after scoring on a 72-yard touchdown pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of an NFL wild card playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, right, chats with Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan after their NFL wild card playoff football game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Falcons 24-2. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs celebrates after an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Falcons 24-2. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora celebrates after an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Falcons 24-2. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning runs off the field after an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Falcons 24-2. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) and teammate Justin Tuck run off the field after an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Falcons 24-2. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon (87) catches the ball as Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson defends during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) speaks to Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning runs off the field after defeating the Atlanta Falcons 30-20 in an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (95) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin, left, and Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith talk at the end of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 30-20. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (21) deflects a pass intended for Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Andre Williams (44) celebrates after scoring on a touchdown run against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, bottom, lays on the grass after being sacked by New York Giants defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (95), partially obscured, during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 30-20. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, left, talks to New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka at the end of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 30-20. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) avoids a tackle by Atlanta Falcons defensive back Kemal Ishmael during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) makes a catch during a week 5 football game against the Atlanta Falcons on October 5, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) avoids the tackle of Atlanta Falcons defensive end Malliciah Goodman (93) while throwing a pass during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) during a week 5 football game against the Atlanta Falcons on October 5, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) talks to New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning at the end of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 30-20. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Shane Vereen (34) breaks away from Atlanta Falcons safety Ricardo Allen (37) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell, left, makes a touchdown catch on a pass from quarterback Eli Manning, not pictured, as Atlanta Falcons cornerback Robert Alford defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the Atlanta Falcons during a week 2 NFL football game on September 20, 2015 at Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey ( Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) talks to his line during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) runs against Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Joplo Bartu (59) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) runs against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 22, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) jumps in the air to catch the football as Atlanta Falcons cornerback Robert Alford (23) defends during an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 22, 2018 in Atlanta. The Falcons won 23-20. (Scott Boehm via AP)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the football as he jumps in the air while Atlanta Falcons strong safety Damontae Kazee (27) dives to tackle during an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 22, 2018 in Atlanta. The Falcons won 23-20. (Scott Boehm via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) makes a reception against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Robert Alford (23) during an NFL football game, Monday, October 22, 2018, in Atlanta. The Falcons won 23-20. (Paul Abell via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Lorenzo Carter (59) during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Monday, October 22, 2018, in Atlanta. The Falcons won 23-20. (Paul Abell via AP)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Monday, October 22, 2018, in Atlanta. The Falcons won 23-20. (Paul Abell via AP)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) carries the ball after making a reception during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Monday, October 22, 2018, in Atlanta. The Falcons won 23-20. (Paul Abell via AP)
New York Giants offensive guard Will Hernandez (71) and offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) block during a week 7 NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, Oct. 22, 2018 in Atlanta. Atlanta 23-20. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
The Atlanta Falcons offensive line lines up across the New York Giants defensive line during a week 7 NFL football game on Monday, Oct. 22, 2018 in Atlanta. Atlanta 23-20. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) carries the ball after making a reception during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Monday, October 22, 2018, in Atlanta. The Falcons won 23-20. (Paul Abell via AP)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball during a week 7 NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, Oct. 22, 2018 in Atlanta. Atlanta 23-20. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) runs after the catch during a week 7 NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, Oct. 22, 2018 in Atlanta. Atlanta 23-20. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball during a week 7 NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, Oct. 22, 2018 in Atlanta. Atlanta 23-20. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) blocks Atlanta Falcons defensive end Takkarist McKinley (98) during a week 7 NFL football game on Monday, Oct. 22, 2018 in Atlanta. Atlanta 23-20. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) runs out of the pocket against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 22, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball during a week 7 NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, Oct. 22, 2018 in Atlanta. Atlanta 23-20. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball during a week 7 NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, Oct. 22, 2018 in Atlanta. Atlanta 23-20. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) runs against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 22, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) speaks with New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) after an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 22, 2018, in Atlanta. The Atlanta Falcons won 23-20. (AP Photo/John Amis)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) works against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 22, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) and tight end Evan Engram (88) line up on the line of scrimmage during a week 7 NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, Oct. 22, 2018 in Atlanta. Atlanta 23-20. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) gets by Atlanta Falcons strong safety Damontae Kazee (27) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 22, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) works against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 22, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)
New York Giants linebacker Lorenzo Carter, left, prepares to sack Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 22, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)
