The walking wounded head into Jacksonville tonight desperately seeking a win. New York will play this game without the following starters: two defensive ends, their left tackle, one wide receiver, two linebackers and a quarterback. In addition, their star running back has a sprained thumb. Luckily for the Giants, the Jaguars have problems of their own. David Garrard will start at quarterback with Byron Leftwich probably out for the season. Fred Taylor has a balky groin, but should play.
This game will come down to a couple of questions. Can Bob Whitfield do enough to protect Eli Manning’s blind side? Can Mathias Kiwanuka and William Joseph provide enough of a pass rush from the ends to protect the depleted linebackers and secondary? Will Eli bounce back from a horrible game against the Bears and stand up to a tough Jacksonville defense?
It won’t be easy and it certainly won’t be pretty, but Gothamist thinks the Giants do just enough to squeak out the win.
