New York Giants Vs. Tennessee Titans: Giants Keys To Victory

Punch in the gut.

That's what last week's pummeling by the Indianapolis Colts felt like for Giants fans.

After a Week 1 win against the Panthers and a sense of optimism in the air, the Colts knocked the air right out of the Giants.

So now, at 1-1, the G-Men face a crossroads.

With Chris Johnson and the Titans coming to the new Giants stadium, what will the Big Blue need to do to stay above .500?

Stop Chris Johnson

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NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 19: Lawrence Timmons #94 of the Pittsburgh Steelers tackles Chris Johnson #28 of the Tennessee Titans at LP Field on September 19, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Steelers won 19-11. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Last week, Pittsburgh held Chris Johnson to only 34 rushing yards.

But, also last week, the Giants defense gave up over 160 rushing yards against the Colts.

There was no penetration from the Giants defensive line and it seemed like Joseph Addai was well into the secondary on every play.

The Giants can't let Johnson run left and right on them because then, not only will Johnson be able to do damage, but their passing game will as well.

Make Them Put Kerry Collins In

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NASHVILLE - SEPTEMBER 12: Vince Young #10 of the Tennessee Titans looks to pass against the Oakland Raiders during the NFL season opener at LP Field on September 12, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Raiders 38-13. (Photo by Joe Robbin

This is not a knock against Collins, but more of a knock on Vince Young.

Before being pulled from last week's game against Pittsburgh, Young had thrown for 66 yards and two interceptions.

If you recall the Giants game during Week 1, their secondary fared pretty well against Carolina quarterback Matt Moore.

Now that Moore is out of a starting job, the Giants should have the mindset of sending this Texas star to the bench.

Keith Bulluck Against His Former Team

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INDIANAPOLIS - DECEMBER 06: Keith Bulluck #53 of the Tennessee Titans reacts during the NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 6, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

One of the biggest acquisitions the Giants made this offseason hasn't done much.

Pro Bowl linebacker Keith Bullock has only four tackles thus far this season.

Now, with the upcoming game against his old team, Bulluck needs to rally a defense that looked awful against the Colts.

Bulluck will be vital to stopping Johnson and pressuring Young.

Run and Gun

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INDIANAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 19: Ahmad Bradshaw #44 of the New York Giants runs with the ball during the NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

The old fashioned way.

Establish the run, then throw the ball.

The Giants really didn't have an opportunity to balance their attack against the Colts last week because they were down big early.

Even though Ahmad Bradshaw ran for 89 yards, the Colts dominated time of possession and completely dictated the game.

So, the Giants must look for carries for at least two to three yards, then let Eli Manning exploit the Titans secondary.

Keep Your Helmet On

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 27: Brandon Jacobs #27 of the New York Giants against the Carolina Panthers at Giants Stadium on December 27, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

The last thing I want to do is contribute to the overplay that this incident has been subject to.

Actually, it's quite the opposite.

Yeah, Brandon Jacobs was frustrated and, whether accidentally or not, threw his helmet into the crowd.

It's over.

The Giants can't let Jacobs' frustration or any other distraction deter their play on Sunday.

In the same respect, they also have to keep their heads cool, as they might be anxious to prove that their not 24 points worse than the Colts and have a shot at the playoffs.