The Search for the Sack: Where's Giants Pass Rush?

Defense has big oppportunity in Big D

By JOSH ALPER

Updated 10:06 AM EST, Fri, Dec 12, 2008

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The Giants only have six sacks in their past five games. If you throw out the 23-7 win against the Redskins on Nov. 30, they only have two in the other four contests. That's a far cry from the defense that averaged nearly four per game through the first half of the season.

What's happened? Justin Tuck is seeing a steady diet of double teams, Fred Robbins is battling several injuries and opponents -- hip to the Giants' game -- have made adjustments before facing them. Those are all valid explanations. More than anything else, though, the team seems to be finally feeling the full effect from the absences of Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora.

Last year's Giants were deeper than this year's version. Mathias Kiwanuka and Tuck are both fine defensive ends, but each of them is playing a full season as a starting defensive end for the first time. Furthermore, the lack of reliable backups means they aren't getting the same rest that allowed Strahan, especially, to be so explosive during his final season. Kiwanuka's move from outside linebacker has also left that position devoid of a pass-rushing threat.

When you throw in the injury to Robbins, which allows teams to handle him with one player, it becomes very hard for the Giants to generate the consistent pass rush that makes their defense hum. Less pass rush means more pressure on the guys covering receivers, something that the Giants have struggled with all year.

This weekend's game with the Cowboys is the perfect time for Big Blue to rediscover their mojo. Tony Romo wilted under the Steeler pressure last Sunday and the Giants overwhelmed the Cowboys' line in their first meeting this season. A win keeps home field advantage throughout the playoffs in their control, but more than that it would assure that teams playing the Giants had a healthy amount of fear.