New York In Need of Giant Shake-Up

In getting off to their worst start since 1996, the Giants defense has surrendered an astounding 80 points in just two games. To avoid a devastating 0-3 start, the Giants will need to make some dramatic changes to a defensive unit that looks among the worst in team history. As has been the case in the Tom Coughlin era, they've struggled to get teams off the field on 3rd down. Along with attrocious tackling, lack of a pass rush, and a staggering inability to cover the middle of the field, opposing offenses will continue to score in droves. If the Giants are to salvage their season (isn't it awful to think it may be done in September?), they should seriously consider doing the following:

Give up on the Kiwanuka experiment. Did the organization think he could make the transition based on zone schemes that had him drop in to coverage a year ago? Many teams institute packages where the DE will shift in to coverage to throw off a quarterback's reads. Just because he was fortunate enough to have a couple interceptions hit him between the numbers, didn't mean he was capable of doing it on a regular basis. Kiwanuka is certainly extremely athletic and a gifted football player...with his hands on the ground. He needs to go back to his natural position instead of watching tight ends roam free.

Replace Kawika Mitchell until further notice. Mathias is not the only one LB getting burned in coverage. "Major" free agent acquistion Mitchell has been far slower than advertised. He's been lined up on the weak side, a position he's been unfamiliar with. Late in games, the Giants have turned to Reggie Torbor in passing situations, but he has not made much of an impact. The Giants are waiting for the return of Gerris Wilkinson, which could send Mitchell to the bench or to his more familiar SAM role.

Sign a veteran safety. Outside of Gibril Wilson, the Giants are extremely thin at safety. Giving the Free Safety position to James Butler and releasing Will Demps was a flat out mistake. Butler has struggled with his tackling and in coverage. Unfortunately, the Giants have no options behind him. The inconsistent rookie undrafted free agent Craig Dahl sits behind him on the depth chart, and seventh round pick Michael Johnson is the only other safety on the roster. Not making a run at Donovin Darius or Lamont Thompson (both of whom recently signed with the Dolphins) was another in the series of questionable decision making by the front office.

Get Aaron Ross on the field. I realize he was lifted in the 3rd quarter for cramps, but if the secondary is going to get torched, at least let him get some valuable game experience. Corey Webster has failed to show any progress, Sam Madison has shown hes on his last legs, and R.W McQuarters has never been anything more than a nickel back. The defending Jim Thorpe award winner for top college CB, Ross has a promising future in this league. That future could be now. Despite being beaten on the play, his deflection of a Brett Favre pass led to the Packers only turnover of the game. In a defense struggling to make plays, his presence could be instrumental in righting the ship.

However you slice it, the Giants need a major face lift. Whether that's the current starters looking themselves in the mirror and making a change (totally unintentional MJ pun) or some hungry back-ups proving they can play in this league, the defense needs to start showing a little pride. Rookie coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has shown his aggressiveness, but the defense's inability to get to the passer or cover the voids filled by blitzers' is alarming. The vaunted front four have registered zero sacks, with the team's only 2 coming from back-up Justin Tuck.

The offense has demonstrated it can move the football and will only improve with the return of Brandon Jacobs. Still awaiting word on Plaxico's bum ankle and the early diagnosis for rookie Steve Smith is not encouraging (fractured shoulder blade), but fortunately they have capable back-ups in Sinorice Moss and Anthony Mix. The offensive line has looked great in creating a pocket for Eli Manning and opening up holes for Derrick Ward. Without dumb mental errors by Shockey and Toomer, the Giants would have put up a bunch more points in yesterday's loss. It's hard to imagine the defense is this bad with a solid front four and some capable players behind them. Hopefully they can get everything clicking soon and turn this season around.