1. The offensive line is hurting » Left tackle Shawn Andrews missed last week with a back injury. Center Shaun O’Hara has a nagging foot injury and missed last week as well. Guard David Diehl is dealing with hip and hamstring issues. The Giants’ interior was unable to open many rushing lanes vs. Jacksonville last week, though the offense still fared well. Diehl, who has missed three straight games, and O’Hara, who has missed the past four, will be questionable for Sunday. Andrews, meanwhile, is more uncertain. Second-year pro Will Beatty will start at left tackle if Andrews can’t go.
2. The defensive line dominates » The pass rush is obviously good as ends Justin Tuck (7.5 sacks) and Osi Umenyiora (eight sacks) have been terrific. Both are dominant edge rushers thanks to their speed. Mathias Kiwanuka has four sacks. But the run defense has been strong, too; opponents are averaging 4.0 yards a carry. They are tied for ninth in rushing yards allowed at 100.2 a game. Defensive tackle Barry Cofield plugs the middle.
3. Mistakes have stymied the offense » Quarterback Eli Manning has thrown 23 touchdown passes and has a 90.3 passer rating, but he also has thrown 16 interceptions. Ahmad Bradshaw averages 4.7 yards a carry and has 916 rushing yards, but he’s also lost five fumbles and now is the No. 2 back behind Brandon Jacobs. Still, the talent is such that New York averages 25.2 points a game. It doesn’t help that receiver Hakeem Nicks will not play because of a leg injury, nor will receiver Steve Smith. So these mistakes could be more troublesome Sunday.
4. They struggle to cover punts » The Giants rank 30th in the NFL at covering punts, allowing 13.0 yards on 18 returns, including one for a 93-yard touchdown. That’s why punter Matt Dodge has a net average 10.3 yards less than his gross average. But he has been criticized for his inconsistency. Considering how dangerous Brandon Banks is, the Giants might just kick away from him all game. They do cover kicks better, ranking third in the NFL.
