ATLANTA — This is not a transfusion the Giants desired, but it is a procedure they have been forced to undergo.
As with everything this season, it has not gone smoothly.
“You’ve got some new blood in there, so to speak’’ defensive coordinator Shane Bowen said, “so the communication and everything has got to increase a little bit. So, there’s got to be a heightened level of focus.’’
Finding a heightened level of anything is close to mission impossible with these Giants — on both sides of the ball.
They head into Sunday’s game against the Falcons as the lowest-scoring team in the NFL at 14.9 points a game.
By comparison, the defense is more credible, allowing 23.4 points a game, 20th in the league.
They are at their worst attempting to stop the run — 31st in the league at 143.7 yards per game — and seventh in passing yards allowed at 200.4.
That is misleading, though, as opponents are usually ahead, finding success on the ground, thus throwing the ball on the Giants late in games is often unnecessary.
The “new blood’’ coursing through the lineup has not been rejuvenating.
Injuries have ravaged the unit, forcing youngsters to fill starting spots along the line — Elijah Chatman, Jordon Riley, Elijah Garcia — at inside linebacker with rookie Darius Muasau, and in the secondary with Greg Stroman, Art Green and Dane Belton.
In last week’s 35-14 loss to the Ravens, there was all sorts of confusion and blown coverages, as Lamar Jackson completed six passes of 20 or more yards.
The Giants hope Falcons rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr., in his first NFL start, cannot take advantage of all the displacement on the back end the way Jackson, an MVP candidate, tore through them.
None of this is shocking considering the Giants played last week without any cornerbacks who were with the team in training camp.
“I think it’s just something you’ve got to have a plan for,’’ Bowen said. “Having new guys in, being able to play. There’s a lot of reps that are missed. Guys are learning on the fly. You rely on your veterans. You rely on the leadership. You rely on their teammates to help that as well. Especially in terms of fitting into the culture and what that is, the expectation level. But it’s just something you’ve got to work through.’’
There are reinforcements on the way.
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After missing the past three games with a rib injury, cornerback Deonte Banks is listed as questionable and could be back.
Two other cornerbacks, Cor’Dale Flott and rookie Dru Phillips, have no injury designation and will make their returns.
LT Andrew Thomas, on injured reserve following foot surgery, was sad to see Daniel Jones released.
“Obviously, that’s my guy,’’ Thomas said. “I love D.J. One of my favorite teammates I have, but it’s the nature of the business. I’m wishing the best for him in his future endeavors, and that’s all I’ve got on that.’’
Former Giants draft choice Lorenzo Carter is listed as questionable for the Falcons with a groin issue.
The outside linebacker, a 2018 third-round pick, has played in 44 games (26 starts) for the Falcons and has seven sacks.
Four players are out with injuries and did not travel with the team: LB Bobby Okereke (back), who was placed on season-ending IR, LB Patrick Johnson (knee), OL Aaron Stinnie (concussion), and DB Greg Stroman (shoulder/shin).