Falcons, Giants have taken the wrong road

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. --- The New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons looked like powerhouse teams through five games. Now each team is struggling just to remain above .500.

• Photos

Associated Press

Coach Tom Coughlin, quarterback Eli Manning and the Giants entered their bye week on a four-game losing streak. They face Atlanta today, who has won the past five played at Giants Stadium, most recently in 2004.

The Giants, who started 5-0, have lost four in a row. The Falcons, who started 4-1, have lost three of four, leaving each team 5-4 for today's game at Giants Stadium.

The Falcons are four games behind undefeated New Orleans in the NFC South and already must shift their focus to the NFC wild-card race.

The Giants, only a game behind NFC East-leading Dallas, are still in their division chase.

"It is an important game for us because we have to get back on track," said Giants quarterback Eli Manning. "Obviously it is a big one for them. We are in similar situations. We know they will come in ready to play. They have lost three of their past four and so they are going to feel they have something to prove, just like us."

The Giants are coming off their bye week.

Giants coach Tom Coughlin gave his players instructions to use the bye week as a "vacation" in hopes the team can return refreshed and end its losing streak.

"The importance is winning," Coughlin said. "Obviously at home, this time of year, it is very important for us to win. We want to win at home. We want to win for our fans.

"But we need to win a game, yes."

The Falcons are expected to be without running back Michael Turner, who sprained his right ankle in last week's 28-19 loss at Carolina.

Atlanta backup running back Jerious Norwood is trying to return after missing four consecutive games with a hip injury. Jason Snelling, who had 18 carries for 61 yards and a touchdown last week, could make his first start of the season.

The Falcons avoided key injuries while making the playoffs with an 11-5 record last season. This year they have lost their two top draft picks -- starting defensive tackle Peria Jerry and safety William Moore -- and starting cornerback Brian Williams to season-ending injuries.

The Atlanta defense, ranked 25th overall, couldn't afford the losses.

Snelling insists the Falcons haven't lost their swagger.

"Oh, definitely. It's all around here," Snelling said. "This team has a lot of resolve. We didn't get where we were last year and this year by letting a little adversity keep us down. The team is still high. We know it's a long season. We've got a lot of games left."

Turner's injury puts more pressure on second-year quarterback Matt Ryan, who is slumping along with the team.

The former Boston College star has thrown 10 interceptions in the past five games and 12 for the season, one more than his 2008 total.

Ryan threw two interceptions in last week's loss at Carolina.

The Giants are the Falcons' fourth opponent coming off a bye week.

"We could sit here and say it's not fair or it's not right or whatever," said Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez. "But that's what the scheduling folks thought was best."