Atlanta Falcons vs New York Giants Match Player Stats

Hey there, football fans! If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing quite like settling in on a crisp fall Sunday with a hot dog in hand and your eyes glued to the screen for some good old NFL action. Today, we’re talking about one of those classic matchups that never fails to deliver drama: the Atlanta Falcons versus the New York Giants. This game, which lit up Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 22, 2024, was a blowout in the best way possible for Falcons supporters—a commanding 34-7 victory that had everyone from die-hard Dirty Birds to casual viewers buzzing. But let’s be real, the numbers behind the plays are what make these games unforgettable. In this article, we’ll break down the Atlanta Falcons vs New York Giants Match Player Stats in a way that’s easy to follow, even if you’re watching with your grandma who thinks a “pick-six” is a lottery ticket.

Why focus on player stats? Because they’re the heartbeat of the game. From quarterback heroics to bone-crushing tackles, these figures tell the story of who shone bright and who had a tougher day. Whether you’re scouting for fantasy football tweaks or just reliving the highlights, stick around. We’ll cover key performances, team breakdowns, and even some fun trivia to keep things lively. Grab a drink, and let’s dive into the stats that made this clash one for the books.

The Game Setup: What Made This Falcons-Giants Clash So Electric?

Picture this: The Falcons, sitting at 6-8 and desperate to claw their way into the NFC playoff picture, welcomed a 2-12 Giants squad that’s been rebuilding like a house after a storm. New York was eyeing the draft board more than the scoreboard, but that didn’t mean they rolled over. Kicking off at 1 p.m. ET, the game started scoreless in the first quarter—a tense, defensive battle that had fans on the edge of their seats.

Then, boom—the second quarter exploded. Atlanta’s defense, led by safety Jessie Bates III, snagged an interception and turned it into a 55-yard pick-six, flipping the script to a 10-0 lead. The Giants answered with a field goal, but the Falcons weren’t done. Running back Bijan Robinson powered in for a 4-yard touchdown, and suddenly it was 17-7 at halftime. The second half? Pure dominance. Another defensive touchdown—this time from linebacker Matthew Judon on a 23-yard interception return—sealed the deal early. By the final whistle, Atlanta had racked up 34 points, while New York’s lone score came from a late touchdown pass.

This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. The Falcons’ total yards? A whopping 418. The Giants managed 240. Turnovers? Atlanta forced three, turning two into touchdowns. It’s the kind of stat line that screams “playoff push.” And with rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. making his first NFL start, the narrative was ripe for Atlanta Falcons vs New York Giants player stats gold. Let’s get into the meat of it: the individual heroes and hard-luck stories.

Falcons Offense: Where the Magic Happened

The Falcons’ attack was like a well-oiled machine—efficient, explosive, and impossible to ignore. They leaned on a balanced game plan: short, precise passes mixed with Robinson’s ground-and-pound style. Total offensive yards: 418, with 162 on the ground and 256 through the air. That’s the kind of output that makes defensive coordinators sweat.

Michael Penix Jr.: The Rookie Sensation Steals the Show

Oh man, if you blinked, you missed Michael Penix Jr.’s debut glow-up. Stepping in for an injured Kirk Cousins, the former Washington Huskies star looked like he’d been slinging passes in the pros for years. In his first start, Penix completed 20 of 29 passes for 220 yards and one touchdown—no interceptions. His completion percentage? A crisp 68.9%.

What stood out? His poise under pressure. On third downs, he went 5-for-7, converting key drives that kept the chains moving. His touchdown—a 12-yard strike to tight end Kyle Pitts in the third quarter—came on a play-action fake that had the Giants’ secondary biting hard. Penix’s passer rating clocked in at 104.2, a mark that screams future franchise guy. For fantasy owners, he was a sneaky streaming option that paid off big. If you’re searching for Atlanta Falcons quarterback stats in high-stakes games, Penix just etched his name in the conversation.

Bijan Robinson: Ground Game Guru

If Penix was the brain, Bijan Robinson was the heart—and the legs—of this offense. The second-year back from Texas carried the ball 18 times for 84 yards and that crucial 4-yard touchdown. But don’t let the modest yardage fool you; Robinson’s efficiency was off the charts. He averaged 4.7 yards per carry, breaking tackles like they were twigs (three forced missed tackles, per Next Gen Stats).

Robinson also chipped in three catches for 37 yards, showing his versatility as a receiving back. His longest run? A 15-yarder in the fourth quarter that chewed clock and sealed the win. In a season where Atlanta’s run game has been inconsistent, Robinson’s 84 yards pushed his season total over 800, putting him on pace for a 1,000-yard campaign. Giants fans might want to forget his stiff-arm on linebacker Bobby Okereke—it was highlight-reel stuff. When it comes to New York Giants vs Atlanta Falcons rushing stats, Robinson owned the narrative.

Receiving Corps: Pitts, London, and the Supporting Cast

Tight end Kyle Pitts had a field day, hauling in 5 receptions for 64 yards and that touchdown from Penix. His 12-yard score was a thing of beauty—a contested grab over safety Dane Belton that showcased his 6’6″ frame. Pitts’ yards after catch? 28, turning short throws into chunk plays.

Wide receiver Drake London, Atlanta’s big-bodied target, snagged 4 balls for 53 yards, including a 20-yard dart that set up Robinson’s TD. He drew two pass interference calls, too, extending drives. Slot man Ray-Ray McCloud added 3 catches for 31 yards, providing the quick outs that kept Penix’s rhythm going.

Overall, the Falcons’ receivers converted 7 of 12 third downs, a stat that highlights their red-zone prowess (they scored on all three trips inside the 20). No drops, minimal penalties—this unit clicked.

Falcons Defense: Pick-Six Party Crashers

Defense wins championships, right? Well, in this game, Atlanta’s D didn’t just win—they threw the ultimate block party. They held the Giants to 240 total yards (just 89 rushing), sacked QB Drew Lock three times, and forced those three turnovers. Third-down stops? A stifling 2-for-12. If you’re into Atlanta Falcons defensive player stats, buckle up.

Jessie Bates III: The Interception King

Safety Jessie Bates III was the MVP of this matchup, no question. His 55-yard pick-six midway through the second quarter—a tip drill on a Lock pass intended for running back Devin Singletary—gave Atlanta the lead they never relinquished. That play alone shifted momentum, turning a 0-0 tie into a 10-0 advantage.

Bates finished with 7 tackles (5 solo), that interception, and a pass defensed. His coverage rating was elite, allowing zero receptions on three targets. Since joining the Falcons in 2023, Bates has 6 interceptions, and this one felt like vintage form. Giants’ receivers like Malik Nabers couldn’t get separation against him. Talk about a game-changer—Bates’ stat line is why Atlanta’s secondary is suddenly a strength.

Matthew Judon: Sack Master and Scorer

Edge rusher Matthew Judon, acquired mid-season from the Patriots, lived up to the hype. He notched a sack for a 9-yard loss on Lock, but his highlight was a 23-yard interception return for a touchdown in the third quarter. Wait, what? Yeah, Judon—known more for QB pressure—dropped into coverage, snagged a wobbling pass meant for tight end Theo Johnson, and strolled into the end zone.

Judon added 6 tackles and a forced fumble recovered by teammate Kaden Elliss. His pressure rate? 25% on 12 pass-rush snaps. At 33 years old, Judon’s versatility turned this defense into a nightmare. For New York Giants offensive line stats against elite rushers, this was a wake-up call.

Front Seven Firepower: Grady Jarrett and More

Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett anchored the line with 5 tackles and a sack, collapsing pockets and limiting Singletary to 3.4 yards per carry. Linebacker Kaden Elliss contributed 8 tackles and that fumble recovery, while cornerback A.J. Terrell blanked Nabers (2 catches for 21 yards on 6 targets).

The run defense was lights-out: 2.2 yards per carry allowed, with Jarrett and Ta’Quon Graham combining for 4 tackles for loss. This unit didn’t just stop drives; they ended them.

Giants Offense: A Tough Day in the Trenches

Oof, Giants fans—sorry, but the stats don’t lie. New York’s offense sputtered, managing just 240 yards and one score. They converted only 25% on third downs and turned it over three times. QB instability (Drew Lock starting over Tommy DeVito) didn’t help, but credit Atlanta’s D for making it a long day.

Drew Lock: Gunslinger Gone Wrong

Drew Lock, filling in admirably at times this season, had a rough go. He completed 18 of 32 passes for 193 yards, one touchdown, and two costly interceptions (both returned for scores). His passer rating? A dismal 44.7. Sacked three times for 22 yards lost, Lock held the ball too long on several snaps, leading to those picks.

The TD—a 7-yard toss to wideout Darius Slayton in the fourth—was too little, too late. Lock’s deep-ball accuracy (one completion of 20+ yards) showed flashes, but against Bates and Terrell, he was outmatched. If you’re tracking New York Giants quarterback stats in losses, this one stings.

Devin Singletary and the Run Game Woes

Running back Devin Singletary toted the rock 15 times for 42 yards—no touchdowns. His longest gain? Just 9 yards. The Giants’ O-line, plagued by injuries, couldn’t create holes, allowing 5 tackles for loss. Singletary did add 2 catches for 18 yards, but the ground attack averaged a measly 3.0 yards per carry.

Backup Eric Gray chipped in 4 carries for 13 yards, but it was clear: Atlanta’s front seven owned the line of scrimmage.

Receiving Stars Dimmed: Nabers and Slayton

Rookie sensation Malik Nabers, the Giants’ 2024 first-round pick, was held to 2 receptions for 21 yards on 6 targets. Terrell’s blanket coverage frustrated him all game—no big plays, no YAC. Slayton led with 5 catches for 56 yards and that lone TD, providing a bright spot with a 15-yard grab.

Tight end Theo Johnson had 3 for 34 yards, but a dropped pass led to Judon’s pick-six. The Giants’ pass catchers combined for 10 first downs, but penalties (two holdings) killed drives.

Giants Defense: Gritty but Overmatched

New York’s D showed fight early, holding Atlanta scoreless in the first quarter with a three-and-out forced by edge Brian Burns. But as the turnovers mounted, so did the points allowed. Total tackles: 68, but they couldn’t get off the field on third down (Falcons went 7-for-14).

Brian Burns: Lone Bright Spot

Defensive end Brian Burns led with 8 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a hurry on Penix. His speed off the edge pressured the rookie QB into hurried throws. Burns’ 1.5 sacks pushed his season total to 7.5, a solid mark for a rebuilding unit.

Secondary Struggles: Deonte Banks and Co.

Cornerback Deonte Banks tallied 6 tackles but allowed 68 yards on 7 targets. Safety Dane Belton had 5 stops but was burned on Pitts’ TD. The secondary’s coverage snaps were tough—Penix’s quick release exploited them for 256 passing yards.

Linebacker Bobby Okereke added 7 tackles, but the run D leaked 162 yards. Overall, a valiant effort, but not enough against a surging Falcons attack.

Head-to-Head History: Stats That Span Decades

This wasn’t just any game—it’s part of a storied rivalry. Since 1966, the Falcons hold a 15-12 edge over the Giants in 27 meetings (including playoffs), with Atlanta winning the last four straight. Average score? Falcons 18.2 PPG to Giants’ 18.1. Iconic moments include Atlanta’s 34-0 shutout in 2012 and New York’s 24-2 playoff romp in 2011.

Career leaders: For Falcons, Matt Ryan owns 2,068 passing yards vs. NYG; for Giants, Eli Manning has 1,947. In rushing, Falcons’ Gerald Riggs leads with 285 yards across games. These Atlanta Falcons vs New York Giants historical player stats add layers to every matchup.

Fun fact: The Giants have never won in Atlanta since 2005—a 0-5 skid that’s pure Falcons fuel.

Key Stats at a Glance: Numbers That Tell the Tale

To make it super easy, here’s a quick table of standout Atlanta Falcons vs New York Giants Match Player Stats from the game:

Team totals: Falcons—34 points, 418 yds; Giants—7 points, 240 yds.

What These Stats Mean for the Future

For Atlanta, this win bumped them to 7-8, keeping NFC South hopes alive. Penix’s debut (and a 3-1 record as starter) has fans dreaming of 2025 extensions. Robinson’s consistency could make him a top-10 back, while the defense’s turnover margin (+2 here, +8 season) is playoff-caliber.