GIANT NOTES

ATLANTA – If Jason Sehorn is not going to be ready for the Giants’ Sept. 5 regular-season opener, Will Peterson will start in his place. Judging from his work in yesterday’s preseason loss to the Falcons inside the Georgia Dome, Peterson is ready to assume a starting role.

Peterson, a second-year cornerback, on the very first defensive play raced in on a blitz and nearly leveled the elusive Michael Vick. That was the beginning of a strong game for Peterson. He made an excellent breakup on pass intended for Brian Finneran, and in the second quarter had an interception of Vick on a sideline pass to Willie Jackson that was returned 30 yards.

The other second-year corner, Will Allen, gambled and lost in the second quarter. With the Falcons on the Giants’ 27-yard line, Allen tried for an interception on a sideline pass to Jackson. Allen arrived too late and overran the play, allowing Jackson to make the catch, turn and sprint the 27 yards needed for a touchdown.

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S Clarence LeBlanc, who had a spot on the roster secured with a solid summer, was carted off the turf with 10:24 remaining with a fractured left tibia . . . MLB Mike Barrow left in the second quarter with a mildly sprained knee. He was replaced by rookie Nick Greisen . . . DT Lance Legree left with a mild knee sprain.

Could there be a change coming? DE Frank Ferrara in the first half spent more time with the first defense than did starter Kenny Holmes. Ferrara made the most of the extra time, pressuring Michael Vick on one play, deflecting Vick’s pass on another and turning Warrick Dunn inside on a running play that was stopped for a short gain.

Newly anointed special-teams ace Darnell Dinkins had tackles on the first two Giants kickoffs in the third quarter . . . Tiki Barber started after missing last week’s game with strained rib cartilage. As promised by Jim Fassel, Barber was used sparingly.