Jets vs. Giants; Meet the Giants

Christmas Eve.  New York Jets vs. New York Giants. Winner will likely get to the Playoffs.  Loser will likely go home.

Is that enough drama for you?

The 7-7 Giants, still in control of their own destiny, and coming off a terrible performance at home against the Redskins, will face an 8-6 Jets team, still in control of their destiny, and coming off a terrible performance on the road against the Eagles.

It’s the battle of New York; let’s get to it.

QUARTERBACK:

Eli Manning has led game-winning drives in six of seven victories this season. (Cary Edmondson/US Presswire)

You can’t spell E-L-I-T-E without Eli, and Eli Manning has been terrific this season.  4326 passing yards, 25 Tds to 15 Ints, and a 61.6 completion percentage.  Manning is proving that his 8th year with Big Blue could be he best.  He’s accurate, and deadly in the 2 minute warning.  It doesn’t matter that he has limited resources on offense, the Jets will have their hands full.

RUNNING BACK:  A one-time staple of the Giants offense, the running game has taken a hit this season as Ahmad Bradshaw (548 yards) and Brandon Jacobs (513 yards) have not proven to be reliable.  The Jets gain an advantage here as the Giants will take to the air; the Jets preference against any team.

WIDE RECEIVER: 

The Giants can't afford any drops, like this one from Hakeem Nicks (Tim Farrell/The Star-Ledger via US Presswire)

Attention Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie, and Eric Smith; be alert.  These receivers are talented and have a QB who can put the ball where it needs to go.  Led by both breakout star Victor Cruz with 1194 yards and 7 TDs and Hakeem Nicks with 1096 yards and 6 TDs, the Giants passing game has been golden this season.   An injury to Tight End Jake Ballard is a bad one and the Giants will need Cruz and Nicks to have big games.

DEFENSE:

JPP. New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul. (Photo credit: MCT)

Big Blue.  That name bring Defense to mind.  A staple for the past 30 years, it has been the defense that has ruined the Giants this season.  Injuries to Osi Umenyiora (out for game), Justin Tuck and others have derailed a division lead.  However, the emergence of Jason Pierre-Paul and his 14 sacks will have the Jets on high alert.  Defense wins championships and the Giants must figure out a way to get their secondary on the same page.  Allowing 372 points this season (3rd in the NFL behind Minnesota and Tampa Bay) just won’t cut it.