ATLANTA — It's not the blood transfusion the Giants wanted, but it's the procedure they were forced to undergo.
Like everything this season, it hasn't all been smooth sailing.
“We've got some new blood, so to speak,” defensive coordinator Shane Bowen said. Therefore, you need to increase your level of concentration. ”
It's next to impossible to find higher levels on both sides of the ball with these Giants.
They enter Sunday's game against the Falcons as the NFL's worst team in scoring at 14.9 points per game.
In comparison, the defense has been more reliable, allowing 23.4 points per game, 20th in the league.
They were at their worst trying to stop the run, ranking 31st in the league in yards per game with 143.7 and seventh in yards passing with 200.4.
However, this is misleading. Opponents usually have the advantage and success on the ground, so they often don't need to throw the ball to the Giants late in the game.
The “new blood'' in the batting lineup has not yet gotten younger.
The team has been hit by injuries, with young players Elijah Chatman, Jordon Riley, and Elijah Garcia occupying the starting spots, rookie Darius Muasau at inside linebacker, and Greg Stroman and Art in the secondary.・Green and Dane Belton will be appointed.
In last week's 35-14 loss to the Ravens, there was all sorts of chaos and coverage as Lamar Jackson completed six passes of 20 yards or more.
The Giants expect Falcons rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. to make his first NFL start, but they won't be able to take advantage of all the displacement on the back end the way MVP candidate Jackson has broken opponents. I can't.
None of this is shocking considering the Giants played without their cornerbacks who were in training camp last week.
“I think it’s something you have to plan for,” Bowen said. “We have new players coming in and being able to play. There's a lot of reps that we're missing. Guys are learning on the fly. You're relying on the veterans. You're relying on the leadership. I rely on my teammates to help me with that, especially in terms of cultural fit, the expectation level. But that's something you have to figure out.”
There are reinforcements on the way.
Cornerback Deonte Banks, who missed the past three games with a rib injury, is listed as questionable but could return.
The other two cornerbacks, Cordale Flotte and rookie Drew Phillips, are not listed as injured and are expected to return.
LT Andrew Thomas, who was on injured reserve after undergoing foot surgery, was sad to see Daniel Jones released.
“Obviously, that’s my guy,” Thomas said. “I love DJ and he's one of my favorite teammates, but that's the nature of the business. I wish him the best in his future endeavors, that's all I can do.”
Former Giants draft pick Lorenzo Carter is listed as questionable for the Falcons due to a groin issue.
The outside linebacker, a 2018 third-round pick, played in 44 games (26 starts) for the Falcons and recorded seven sacks.
Four players were out with injuries and did not travel with the team: LB Bobby Okereke (back), who was placed on season-ending IR, LB Patrick Johnson (knee), OL Aaron Stinney (concussion), and DB Greg. Strowman (shoulders/shins).
