Atlanta Falcons: 5 Players to Watch Vs. New York

Sep 15, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant (21) reacts to a play against the St. Louis Rams during the game at Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Rams 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Desmond Trufant will have his hands full trying to shut down one of the best young wide receivers in football in Odell Beckham, Jr. The former LSU Tiger has fantastic hands, illustrated by the catch of the year last season, and will stretch the field vertically.

Atlanta may have an easier time defending the pass with WR Victor Cruz likely being out again for Week 2. However, that doesn’t mean Trufant can take off for one snap. Beckham is his responsibility on Sunday afternoon.

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Of all the on-field matchups, most pundits would agree that the Trufant-Beckham pairing is the most intriguing one-on-one in the Atlanta Falcons road game with the New York Giants.

I expect both Pro Bowl caliber players to get the best of each other at least once. Beckham will likely have a touchdown reception, but Trufant will make a play on an Eli Manning pass in Odell Beckham Jr.’s general direction.

This game is a great opportunity for Dez to elevate his notoriety in the elite circle of NFL shutdown cornerbacks. A strong performance against OBD would do wonders for both Tru’s stock and the Atlanta Falcons’ pass defense.

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