Coming off of a disappointing performance last week where only 10 points were scored, the New York Giants will look to get back on track offensively against the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football. The Saints, who are still searching for a spark on defense, will have their hands full against a Giants offense that averages 22.8 points per game.

Pass Defense

The Saints have been horribly inconsistent this season in stopping the pass, giving up an average of 239.9 yards per game. Even worse, the turnover margin for the secondary has been abysmal. The Saints have only intercepted 5 passes this season, and has dropped a few balls throughout the year.

The Giants, thanks to the emergence of targets like WR Victor Cruz and TE Jake Ballard, have emerged as a surprisingly potent arial threat, averaging 281.4 yards per game. Eli Manning has quietly had a very good year, throwing for 18 touchdowns.

The Saints will need to be able to stop the pass, particularly the big play, in order to emerge with the win. Getting pressure on Manning will be the key. However, leaving receivers open as a trade off for the blitz has not worked in the Saints favor in a few instances this season. Pressure must emerge from the line, which means that DEs Will Smith and Cameron Jordan will need to be impactful. Leaving holes in the secondary, especially with the speedy Cruz across the line, will not serve the defense very well.

Run Defense

The Saints have been below average in stopping the run, allowing an average of 121.5 yards per game. The main issue? Inconsistency, which is most present along the defensive line, mainly at the tackle position. New additions Aubrayo Franklin and Shaun Rogers haven’t played as well as the front office and Saints fans everywhere have hoped.

When you think of the New York Giants, a strong running game comes to mind almost immediately. In 2011, such is not the case. The Giants only average 83.2 yards per game, dead last in the NFL. Moreover, top rusher Ahmad Bradshaw is out with a foot injury. Louisiana native Brandon Jacobs is expected to get the start.

Jacobs is an absolute tank of a running back, listing at 6’4” and 264 pounds. In the past, Saints defenders have had issues with larger backs (Steven Jackson in Week 8, Michael Turner in Week 10). Even though the Giants have been atrocious running the ball this year, doesn’t this feel like one of those games where Jacobs can bust a big one right up the middle? I wouldn’t sleep on the Giants’ run game in this one, which makes stopping it early on all the more important.

Matchup to Watch

Saints defensive line vs. Giants offensive line. Stopping the run will make stopping the pass all the easier for a unit that has struggled all season long. The Giants desperately need a win to stay alive in the NFC East, and will look to get up early on the Saints. If the Saints can establish the line of scrimmage on defense and just be consistent, they should be able to win tomorrow night.