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

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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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 03: Matt Forte #22 of the Chicago Bears is tackled by Jonathan Goff #54 and Chris Canty #99 of the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 3, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Michael Heiman/Getty

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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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 03: Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears drops back to pass against Michael Boley #59 of the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 3, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

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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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 03: Terrell Thomas #24 of the New York Giants celebrates after an interception against the Chicago Bears with teammate Michael Boley #59 at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 3, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo b

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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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 12: Matt Moore #3 of the Carolina Panthers is sacked in the fourth quarter by Mathias Kiwanuka #94 of the New York Giants on September 12, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defe

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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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 12: Osi Umenyiora #72 of the New York Giants forces a fumble against Matt Moore #3 of the Carolina Panthers during the fourth quarter on September 12, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The

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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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 03: Justin Tuck #91 of the New York Giants sacks Caleb Hanie #12 of the Chicago Bear at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 3, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

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.