New York Giants: Who Has Stepped Up for the Giants' Defense?

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After the Giants lost to Tennessee and fell to 1-2, things seemed very grim.

Their next two opponents included an undefeated Chicago Bears team and the league-leading rushing Houston Texans.

But lo and behold, the Giants not only won both games, but defensively dominated the opposing offense. The Giants sacked Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler 10 times and held the Texans to 25 rushing yards.

In those two games, the G-Men defense has resurrected this team from one that looked like they'd struggle to stay above .500 to a playoff contender.

Who has fueled this Giants defense to hold their last two opponents to a combined 13 points?

Allow me.

Chris Canty

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Chris Canty is the most underrated Giants defensive lineman right now.

Behind Justin Tuck, Canty has recorded the most tackles from the Giants line. Canty currently has 1.5 sacks and 18 tackles.

Micheal Boley

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The Giants have lacked leadership from their linebacking corp since Antonio Pierce left.

Keith Bulluck's signing by the Giants was intended to address this. However, it has been Michael Boley who has stepped it up and propelled the linebackers.  

He leads the group with 25 tackles, 18 of them being solo.   

Terrell Thomas

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Even though Antrel Rolle has proved to be a tremendous asset, Terrell Thomas has been the standout in the Giants' secondary. 

The cornerback leads the Giants with two interceptions and ranks third with 28 tackles.  

Plus, look at how high this dude can jump!  

Mathias Kiwanuka

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Even though many defensive lineman have been getting to the quarterback, there are still plenty of tackles to go around.  

Through only three games, Mathias Kiwanuka has had four sacks and 11 tackles.  

He has simply never looked better.   

Osi Umenyiora

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You all knew that this slide was coming. Osi Umenyiora is back—and back with a vengeance.  

This guy has a team-leading six sacks in five games.  

Any quarterback should tremble when he lines up on the other side of the ball.  

Justin Tuck

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Justin Tuck has flat-out been the Giants' defensive player of the year.  

He leads the Giants with 32 tackles—as a lineman!  

Couple this with four sacks in five games as well as two fumble recoveries, and you can see why Giants fans are excited about him this year.  

Tuck, Umenyiora, Kiwanuka—I challenge you to give me a better D-line trio.