The Giants desperately need a win, but the schedule is not doing them any favors. Coming into Meadowlands Stadium are the Jaguars, a team that has turned their season around over the last three games. Add in all the injuries the Giants have suffered and New York faces a stern test this week.
Luckily, the Jags have some injury problems of their own. Both of their starting tackles are out which will probably force Jacksonville to start former Giant, Guy Whimper. That should allow Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck plenty of opportunities to create plays in the Jaguars’ backfield. And the defense is going to have to carry the load this week. The Giants lost Hakeem Nicks for at least three weeks, meaning Derek Hagan has gone from out of football to the Giants’ number two receiver in a week. Shawn Andrews suffered major back problems this week and won’t play, putting Will Beatty into his first pro start at left tackle.
The Giants also made a lineup change, putting Brandon Jacobs back in as the starting running back. It was a change that had to be made because Ahmad Bradshaw just couldn’t hold onto the ball. Minimizing mistakes is vital with the Giants as depleted as they are. The difference in this game will be the defense which did a good job last week in Philadelphia. The gameplan may be a flashback to the Bill Parcells’ days as the Giants try to pound the football on the ground and rely on a swarming defense to deliver the win.
