Duggan- Giants-Falcons pregame thoughts:

[MightyGiants]

Dan Duggan
@DDuggan21
·
15m
Giants-Falcons pregame thoughts:

• Will Michael Penix's performance today — good or bad — say anything about the Giants' decision to pass on him in the draft? No. Take it for what it's worth: A rookie QB making his first career start against a bad defense. The range of outcomes is wide, but you can't draw conclusions from one game.

However, this regime is extremely concerned about optics. And perception is particularly important at this stage. So it won't be a good look if Penix lights up the Giants today.

• I know most fans are rooting for losses, but the players and coaches are not. At some point, this group should put together a spirited effort. Drew Lock is capable of having a big game. Malik Nabers is due to have a monster performance. The defense, which will get all three starting corners back today, has to have a game where it makes game-changing plays. Could that come today? Next week vs. Indy? I don't know, but it's really hard to lose 12 straight games. But maybe this team is just that bad...

• Assuming today goes as expected for the 9.5-point underdog Giants, the Raiders-Jaguars game at 4:25 will have major stakes in the race for the No. 1 pick.

• Prediction: Falcons 23, Giants 13. Penix at least adds some intrigue.