Matty "Gonna Need" Ice

(Please read the following introduction with the voice from any NFL films special)

Ladies and gentlemen, it is time. It is officially playoff season in the NFL. Dreams of getting to the NFL's ultimate stage, the Super Bowl, are beginning to be molded into the minds of 12 potential candidates. This is one of the most beautiful traditions our country has to offer. This is as big as it gets. THIS IS THE DREAM. And our beloved Gmen have reached stage one of the dream. Do they have what it takes to make a run at the NFL's holy grail, the Vince Lombardi trophy? Pieces are falling into place at the right time. This is when boys become men. This is...the NFL Playoffs...2012...

Okay maybe I'm getting ahead of myself, but I can't help but get goosebumps when I think of the drama of the NFL playoffs. On Sunday at 1:00 the NFC East Champion Giants will host the Wildcard selection Atlanta Falcons in the Meadowlands. Atlanta is a solid team and I think they will come prepared. I think this is time for a Big Blue Beers Blog classic, by analyzing the good and the bad.

The Good:

-Recently the Giants were 7-7 with their backs against the wall and they needed to win their next two games to gurantee a trip to the playoffs. They won these games, and showed two of their better defensive performances that we've seen this season. The Giants confidence will not be a factor.
-The Giants strength of schedule far outweighs the Atlanta Falcons. The Giants played the Packers extremely close and also beat the New England Patriots, two things I don't think the Falcons could accomplish.
-No one can block our pro bowler Jason Pierre-Paul. Hense why Matty Ice will certainly be needing ice. On top of that our linebackers play has been much improved, especially from Mathias Kiwanuka and Michael Boley. I like how Boley has been given more strength of command for the defense, I think it has simplified things for the secondary and front four. Simple is good because football is simple.
-Home field advantage. We've got the twelve man: the crowd. It is going to be really loud as it should be. The Falcons have only really played two outdoor road games and they came early in the season where weather wasn't much of a factor. I don't think the weather will be anything extreme this upcoming Sunday, but it will certainly be a hostile environment.
-The Falcons pass rush is not that effective. Eli has had no problem against blitzes or good rushes this season, but if Eli has room to move up in that pocket he will have a field day as we've seen all season.
-Experience. The Giants have not been to the playoffs since their 2008-2009 season but there are several players on the team that were a part of our previous super bowl run. The Falcons have not yet won a playoff game under Matt Ryan.

The Bad:

-The Falcons have a better record and frankly better stats as far as offensive and defensive rankings. They have a great running game in Michael Turner on offense and they use him to open things up for their two explosive receivers Roddy White and Julio Jones. It's a simple minded approach and it's brought them some success the last couple of years.
-The Falcons have good linebackers. I think it may be difficult for the Giants to develop a dangerous running threat as it has been for most of the season. Although recently things have looked better, and having Bradshaw and Jacobs both healthy is extremely important.
-Justin Tuck missed practice recently because of a shoulder injury he experienced in the season finale against the Cowboys. It was listed as a stinger but the extent of the injury has been kept quiet. We do have Osi Umenyiora back if Tuck is seriously going to see less time, but I think our captain will be ready to play. Injuries have plagued him for a great majority of the season but he's still been there when we've needed him the most.
-The fact that worries me the most is that the Giants have been favored to win this game. This season whenever the Giants were picked to win they've responded with several stinkers. I do think it is playoff time and the "backs against the wall" mentality that the Giants have played much better with this season will still be there. Under Tom Coughlin the Giants have typically been prepared when it's a do or die atmosphere, but it is certainly something to think about.

I am not worried about this upcoming Falcons game. There is nothing better than the magic of do or die playoff games. Keep in mind never in my life have I ever actually picked the Giants to lose a game. This is typically mistaken for feelings of arrogance and bias, and truthfully maybe it is a little of those things. Do I logically think the Giants will go 19-0 every single year? Of course not considering they never have. But week in and week out it is more about belief, which in my opinion is important not only in playing football, but in being a fan.

I think the Giants gameplan will be a simple one. The Falcons will most likely come out running to try and develop a play action threat for later in the game. They always do this, and with a great power back in Michael Turner it makes sense. Commit to the run stop early in the game. 11 hats on the ball. Turner is not the fastest running back in the NFL but he is one of the strongest. Gang tackles are a must, and in an atmosphere like the playoffs I think that's what you will see. On the offensive side of the ball, I think trying to run the ball early isn't a good idea. I would come out airing it out. Get the Falcons on their heels. If we win the coin toss I would elect to get the ball first. Then if that works and if all goes according to plan you can run the ball in the second half.

In other words, "Stop the run, then we can have some fun," as Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell has said in the past. The Falcons are fundamentally sound but I think we are simply more talented. We have a better quarterback and a better pass rush. In playoff football I think any football fan would agree those are the two most important things.

It's time baby. Giants playoff football is back. I think the Giants control the game and come out with a win. Mission one of the dream is about to begin...