PASSING FAIL
Giants getting torched through the air
It’s great for the Giants that their run defense is leading the NFL, but unacceptable that their pass defense is dead last. They’re not overly concerned with statistics, but they admit they have to patch up that leaky pass defense, and Sunday they will have to do it while dealing with a number of injuries — including to starting linebacker Devon Kennard and defensive end Robert Ayers.
“Well, we’ve got to get better, obviously, in the one that you’re referring to as not being that good. And I think we will get better,” coach Tom Coughlin said. “In the meantime, if we can stop the run and then our pressure on the quarterback continues to build, we’ll get better in the secondary as well. I like to be good at both. But we’re started in the right direction. … You’ve got to make some plays in the secondary.’’
The Giants’ secondary hasn’t made anywhere near enough. While the defense has held opponents to 69.8 yards rushing per game, it has coughed up 316.3 yards per game passing.
“Look, nobody wants to be 32nd in anything,” defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said. “I know when the game’s being called and what I’m asking the players to play in the game, we’re playing the game to win, not to improve our stats.’’
Six players, five on defense, missed practice. Kennard (hamstring) sat for a second straight day and looks unlikely to play Sunday against the 49ers, and LB Jonathan
Casillas has a calf injury. “Injuries are always concerning,” Spagnuolo said. “[Kennard] hasn’t practiced just yet. We’re trying to get him to the game if we can. And then we’ve got some other bumps and bruises. There’s not that many guys there [at linebacker], so we’ll navigate through it.’’
Ayers (hamstring), WR Victor Cruz (calf), CB Jayron Holsey (concussion) and DE George Selvie (calf) also were out. Ayers has missed the last two games and has not practiced this week.
CB Trumaine McBride (groin) returned on a limited basis, while TE Jerome Cunningham (knee), OL Ereck Flowers (ankle) and DL Markus Kuhn (knee) practiced fully.
“Whoever goes in there, we represent the New York Giants’ defense. That’s it. Next man up,’’ LB Jon Beason said.
If Kennard can’t start, Mark Herzlich could go at strongside linebacker.
49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks left the team this week after his sister, Krsunthia Brooks, died of lupus, and will not be available to face the Giants on Sunday. Brooks has 12 tackles and a sack this season.
Asked about his time management in the win ovetr the Bills on Sunday — calling for a pass with 3:51 left and a 14point lead, only to see Eli Manning get picked off — offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo said: “With over four minutes left in the game, it was a lot of time left in the game and until you start milking the clock in fourminute mode, you want to stay aggressive, keep your foot on the gas, and go for the knockout shot there.”