When the Giants host Atlanta on Sunday, they’ll look across the field and find a team that knows what they’re going through — sort of. The Falcons started the season 4–1, but since then, have lost three out of four, with the lone victory coming against Washington, which barely counts. Both teams now sport identical 5–4 records, and they could very well end up fighting for a Wildcard spot later in the season.
With that in mind: At some point over the last four games, just about everything has been a problem for the Giants, from the offensive and defensive lines to the secondary to, yes, the quarterback. Coming off their bye week, the Giants’ playoff push begins in earnest this weekend. Either they turn things around now, or things won’t be worth turning around.
At least there’s reason to be optimistic: Aaron Ross is set to make his season debut, which, one would hope, will be a boon to the struggling secondary. And Danny Ware — injured returning the season’s opening kickoff — is set to play, giving the Giants a third option at running back. (When you’re as maddeningly inconsistent as the Giants have been, every little bit helps.) After Sunday, the Giants have a short week and play again on Thanksgiving night at 6–3 Denver. Meaning that a week from today, their season could be saved, or it could be over. That’s a scary thought, but it’ll be a lot scarier if they lose on Sunday.