D-Line Needs to Step Up

The Giants defense took a big hit when they learned that captain, and heart beat of their defense, Antonio Pierce will be out, and maybe for a while.

It has been a very disappointing nine games for the Giants defense. They played well against poor competition but have struggled mightily every since.

With Pierce out Chase Blackburn will be at middle linebacker and will try to spark what has been lackluster defensive play. If the Giants struggle Chase Blackburn won't be the problem. The defensive line needs to step up big time.

The Giants came into this season expecting to be a sack machine. Everybody got the impression that quarterbacks would be scared to take center, with a ferocious pass rush coming at them. But that has been further from the case. The much vaunted sack attack has only brought the opposing quarterback down 20 times. That ranks 15 in the entire NFL.

Their 15 ranking effects the entire defense. Antonio Pierce, and Danny Clark have been exposed, and the secondary who took a huge hit losing Kenny Phillips before the season even started has been embarrassed.

The Giants however still rank first in yards per game, but they win with pressure. The Giants need to bring down Matt Ryan early and often. It looks like Michael Turner will be out and if the Giants don't have at least four sacks on Ryan it could result in a loss. With pressure comes mistakes, and with mistakes comes turnovers. So Osi, Tuck, Canty, Bernard, Colfield, Kiwi, and the other talented lineman need to put the team on their backs. They need to get back to Giants football, and it will start once Ryan is on his back.