The Giants Should Play Their Starters Against the Patriots

    The Giants are a team that has a lot of problems to work out before the playoffs.  They don't have a bye week to help solve those problems, and have the unfortunate task of trying to fix them against one of, if not the, greatest teams in NFL history.  And if they can defeat the Pats, they will not only have most of those problems fixed, but they will have probably saved Tom Coughlins job through next season.  And I'm sure the 1972 Dolphins will be very pleased that they can pop the champaign, even though it is a little bit later than they hoped.

    Eli Manning needs this start as well.  If he can get a couple drives going against a very stingy Patriots defense that ranks in the top 10 in every major defensive catagory, including 2nd in the NFL in ppg against.  A good game against them will give him a boost of confidence that could lead to a deep playoff run.  And if they do make it to the Super Bowl, a strong performance or victory against their probable opponent will give them confidence that they have shown what they can do against them, and they would know that they can beat them.

    Brandon Jacobs has finally had success in the running game, a full game against the Patriots would likely put him over 1,000 yards on the season, and a 100-yd game would give him 3 in a row heading into the playoffs, something that would make him, and Eli Manning very happy.  A strong run game is important to have in the playoffs, especially when you are based in New York, a place that is very cold this time of year, and any games in New York would call for a strong run game.  Their defense is above average at best, and an elite defense is a very good thing to have heading into the playoffs, considering that defense wins championships.

    If the Giants don't play their starters, they will be stuck with a week to cool off while their back-ups are stuck being destroyed by the Patriots who will likely play their starters in an attempt to make history.  The Giants are stuck in history no matter what happens Saturday night, they better at least try to get history in their favor.