The Giants went back to basics last week as they defeated the Redskins rather easily at home in a game that they had to win and a game that they won convincingly. The defense now has their confidence back. They said the right things, learned to communicate, found their pass rush and they also showed the ability to cover again. That all goes out the window this week as they head down to Atlanta to the Georgia Dome. First of all, they will see an Atlanta offense that is very tricky. They are not as effective in the air with Michael Vick at the helm, but it's not how he beats you in the air, it's how he beats you with his legs. Obviously he's one of the top runners at his position. This year, the Falcons lead the NFL with 234 rushing yards per game and they throw several running backs at you in Warrick Dunn, Jerious Norwood and Vick, players who give them the ability to go the distance on a very fast track. On that Big Blue defense, it will be vital that Antonio Pierce and company tackle well. The Giants don't plan on having a spy for Vick. They don't feel as if one person can keep up with him, and that's true because it will take an entire front seven to track him, not over-pursue, and when he beats them, keep him to a minimum gain. Let's get one thing straight, Vick will run the ball against the Giants, he will have some eye-popping plays, but the key is to contain him as much as possible. The fans get behind their team, and most importantly, the Falcons are playing terrific defense this year. They are the second best team in the NFL against the run. They are giving up 69.2 yards allowed per game. That right now is a key statistic going into this game. If the Giants look to establish their running game, and I always felt they aren't a power running football team, they usually get the pass going and then establish Tiki Barber. But this Sunday against the Falcons, they are going to have to turn things around with Brandon Jacobs. They need to keep the Falcons' offense off the field and develop a power running game by trying to build off the offensive line play against the Redskins. They need to keep their offense on the field and dominate time of posession. It's a very difficult task. Jeremy Shockey is still hurting and I think the Giants recievers will come through as far as the passing game is concerned with Amani Toomer having a terrific year and Plaxico Burress, when he concentrates and focuses, is still a weapon for Big Blue. Eli Manning's has upped his completion ratio to 67 percent, and it was only a matter of time, Obviously, until their quarterback put it together and was able to understand the offense, but more importantly understand the opposing defenses and not try to force it. It's going to be loud in Atlanta, and that's something the Giants haven't been able to overcome, as we saw in Seattle. it's a good test for the Giants. Are they back to where we thought they would be? Or was this week's win against the Redskins just a mirage? Time will only tell, but I do like the Falcons in this game, and I think it will be a good game, but I don't think the Giants have enough to corral Michael Vick and company. BRING THE PASSION As far as the Jets are concerned, we've seen the good, the bad and the ugly. The ugly is the run defense. I don't understand how the personnel on that defense that is primarily the same as they were two years ago -- and I know that Abraham is playing for the Falcons now, but it's not like there are a lot of new faces on this Jets defense -- got so bad, so fast. I think they are No. 29 against the run. With exception of the Tennessee game, every team has run over the 100-yard mark against the Jets' defense. It's one of the most demoralizing things that a team can do to a defense, and that's what teams are doing right now. I don't think the Miami Dolphins, who have had their own problems, aren't going to try and get Ronnie Brown going, and are going to play their new young quarterback Joey Harrington and make him throw a few times, but basically beat them with the ground attack, every team has had that approach so far. I don't understand how this defense go so bad. I understand that Eric Mangini is a new coach, but with Donnie Henderson they were sound. They have Jonathan Vilma, who made himself into an all-pro linebacker. I understand that Mangini runs the 3-4, but they are going to have to change something in order to stop the run. As Chad Pennington goes, so will the Jets. He turned it over early last week and they suffered. Another enigma is the fact that they can't score early. Before the third quarter, they haven't been able to put points up. Again, this is something that against the Dolphins at their home stadium they must get their lead and make Miami play the way they don't want to play. As I said Miami is going to want to try and run the ball, establish it and stay conservative. Well, if you get an early lead, maybe you force Joey Harrington to do what he does best, which is turn it over.

Again, it's up to the Jets to show up after that embarrassment against Jacksonville and show their fans they aren't as bad as they showed. I knew the Jets weren't great, but not as bad as 41-0, that was an embarrassment, and it's something the Jets players realize they have to fix. They need to step on the field during the first play and show passion. And then maybe, just maybe, they can get by the Fins and play some winning football.