1. Their offensive line is struggling » For a couple years, the Giants’ line was considered one of the best in the NFL, if not the best. Not this season. They’ve had some minor injuries forcing guys out at times, which hasn’t helped. In the first five games, their run blocking remained strong as the Giants averaged around 160 yards on the ground. The running game has not produced lately. The pass protection has been spotty, too. In the first six games, quarterback Eli Manning was sacked three times. In the past seven games he’s been sacked 18 times. They’ll have a rookie backup at right tackle this week in Will Beatty, last spring’s first-round pick.
2. They’re still explosive offensively » Despite a running game that’s slowed down, New York has surpassed 30 points in three of its past four games. In those games, Manning averaged a ridiculous 9.8, 9.6 and 10.3 yards per pass attempt. Manning has been bothered by a bad foot for weeks, but he’s still finding time to make plays downfield, especially to receiver Steve Smith, a master route-runner who has 85 catches. Rookie Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham are major downfield threats. They’ve combined for 76 catches and 10 touchdowns. Nicks and Smith excel at yards after the catch.
3. The defense has holes » Whether it’s from having a new coordinator in Bill Sheridan or from injuries, the Giants’ defense is not the same. They’re not pressuring quarterbacks as everyone anticipated. They’re on pace for 32 sacks, a dropoff of 10 from last year and 21 from 2007. End Osi Umenyiora was benched; end Justin Tuck is getting double-teamed and has just 4 1/2 sacks. Losing safety Kenny Phillips hurt them as did corner Aaron Ross’ nagging hamstring injury. Somehow they rank ninth in yards allowed, but here’s the damning stat: They’re 28th in points allowed (25.4).
4. They whiffed in free agency » Defensive lineman Chris Canty ($17.5 million guaranteed; zero sacks) hasn’t helped, nor has defensive tackle Rocky Bernard (inactive last week) and safety C.C. Brown (who is being called Can’t Cover). Linebacker Michael Boley at least has helped, but that’s about it. The Giants spent $84 million hoping to upgrade their defense. They failed.
