Giants hope running game, defense emerge

Justin Tuck took a moment in the Giants' locker room this week to glance at the ceiling. Was he asking for help from above? In a way, perhaps.

He was more focused on the prominent players of the past who have been immortalized in the room's décor. Names such as Robustelli, Huff, Taylor, Carson and Strahan.

"This franchise, you look up at all these names in here and a lot of them are defensive guys," Tuck said. "We've had some great defenses around here, [during] my time here and previously."

Over the years, successful Giants teams have had two identifying traits: They have run the ball well and have played ferocious defense. There are 25 position players in the team's Ring of Honor, and 17 of them are most well-known for having done one of the two.

But this year, the identity of the team has not come from a rumbling ground game or a stifling defense. The Giants are a passing team, with a quarterback and two receivers on the verge of record-setting performances.

How far can they go this season? About as far as Eli Manning can throw them.

It's a reality that has shaken up the defense. They're not used to being carried.

Said Tuck, "It's making me sick to my stomach."

Historically, they've been the unit to play well, keep the Giants in games and have the offense come up a little short. In the last two games, though, the Giants have scored 24 and 35 points. And lost.

"This year, for whatever reason, our offense has been the superior unit," Tuck said. "That's not to say we haven't had flashes on defense, we have, but our offense has been the most consistent unit."

And by offense, Tuck is not referring to the NFL's worst rushing attack.

There is time to change, though. There are four games remaining -- two critical ones against the Cowboys, including Sunday night's showdown in Dallas -- that will determine whether this season is a success or failure. At 6-6 through 12 games, it can't be classified as either. By the time the final whistle blows Sunday night, we'll have a good idea which way the Giants are leaning.

The hope is that the aggressive defense that flew around the field against the Packers a week ago -- albeit in a losing effort -- and the physical running game that pounded away at the middle of the field can stick around for another month or two. If they can, the Giants know they'll be tough to beat.

Tuck and Brandon Jacobs have had two of the most disappointing seasons, even if some causes of their lack of production have been beyond their control. Both showed a spark a week ago. Both seemed enlivened by the rivalry with the Cowboys this week. Both need to continue to contribute mightily.

"I think we're right where we need to be," Jacobs said. "We put ourselves in this position and I think being physical in the running game is something this team definitely needs."

As for the defense, coordinator Perry Fewell ignited them last week, and he's optimistic that their re-found attitude will carry over to the next four games.

"I'm confident that it will make it to Dallas," Fewell said. "This is a big, important game for us. I think the players know that. We know that as a coaching staff, we're in a position to do some things that we like to do. I think the passion and the fire will be there."

In the past, there would have been no doubt. This year? Unlike inside the locker room, there is no writing on the wall when it comes to the defense.

Safety Phillips out

Safety Kenny Phillips held out hope all week that he'd be able to play despite a sprained MCL in his left knee, but he did not fly to Dallas with the team Saturday and was downgraded from doubtful to out. The move means rookie Tyler Sash likely will see significant playing time in the Giants' secondary against the Cowboys. Phillips, who injured his knee last week against the Packers, did not practice this week but did some running and agility drills. There is a chance he will return next week against the Redskins.