Herzlich, Prince to step in again

The two high-profile Giants rookies who got their first taste of NFL action last week will get an even bigger helping for their second serving. And it'll come with some Cajun spice.

With linebacker Michael Boley downgraded to out Sunday and not making the trip and cornerback Michael Coe placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury that required surgery this week, Mark Herzlich and Prince Amukamara will again be thrust into prominent roles on the defense.

"I have confidence in those young boys," veteran safety Deon Grant said. "They got their feet wet [last week] and took the pacifier out of their mouth and they're ready to go play."

They'd better be against the high-octane offense the Saints will employ Monday night, with many dangerous players for Drew Brees to choose from.

Herzlich may see fewer snaps than last week against the run-heavy Eagles. The Giants are likely to be in sub packages for a majority of the game, and that could mean more use of fellow rookies Jacquian Williams and Spencer Paysinger. But Herzlich showed he is capable of playing in running and passing schemes.

"I thought he gained a lot of respect from his teammates by the way he played that football game," defensive coordinator Perry Fewell said of Herzlich. "Obviously, there are some things that he has to work on and he will work on in the pass game. But I was very pleased with how he played the run . . . and how he commanded our defense."

As for Amukamara, he made an immediate splash with an interception in his second snap as a pro. Fewell said Amukamara wasn't even supposed to be on the field. Antrel Rolle was "dinged" on the play and the Giants wanted to put Coe on the field to replace him. But Coe was dealing with an injury, too.

"Prince had his helmet on, he was ready to go," Fewell said. "Prince took off and went on the field, got the defensive call and went and played the call. We didn't tell him he had to be ready, he was ready to go. So this week, I know he'll be ready because he's gotten more reps . . . He's done things in practice every week to get us excited."

Fewell said there is "no doubt" that Amukamara, the first-round draft pick, will see an increased role with Coe out.

"He's got to be," Fewell said. "He has no choice. That's what we told him: 'Hey, you've got to be ready' . . . I'm glad to have him in the fold now and I'm glad that he's playing more reps for us. The guy can make plays, and that bodes well for us."