Monday Night Football: 5 Keys To a Win for Both Giants and Rams

Week 2 of Monday Night Football presents a match up between two teams that are both coming off losses and reeling from a number of injuries at important positions. Neither one of them can afford to start 0-2, and thus we expect to see a hard-fought game tonight.

The New York Giants and St. Louis Rams were both hopefuls for 2012 NFL playoff spots. The winner of this game could see their season revived.

Here are the five keys to victory for both teams in this high-stakes, early season game. 

New York Giants' Keys: A Good Start for Eli Manning

Eli Manning had a rough season in 2010 with 25 interceptions, and he threw another one last week against the Washington Redskins.

Many of Eli's interceptions last year, just like Ryan Kerrigan's last Sunday, came off tipped balls. It's bad luck for Eli Manning, and it has a collateral effect when it gets him rattled and causes him to play poorly.

The younger Manning needs a good start to bolster his confidence. He has shown that he lets his emotions get to him, and he cannot do that Monday night against the St. Louis Rams.

Solid Production from Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs

The New York Giants running back tandem of Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs combined for 73 rushing yards in the first game against the Washington Redskins. This is unacceptable from a team that was sixth in the NFL in rushing offense a season ago.

The running game has to get going Monday night, especially to open up things for Eli Manning and the passing game.

A Receiver Besides Hakeem Nicks Stepping Up

Hakeem Nicks was the New York Giants passing game a week ago, catching 7 of the 18 completions for 122 of the 268 passing yards.

Nicks is questionable Monday with a knee injury. If he doesn't play, someone else on the Giants (like Mario Manningham) has to really step up.

With Steve Smith going to the Eagles, the Giants receiving corps is depleted. Brandon Stokley was brought in to try and help out. Nicks will likely be on the field, but either way someone else has to have a big game.

Better Play in the Secondary

The New York Giants secondary was an integral part of making Rex Grossman's comeback a success last Sunday.

The Giants gave up 305 passing yards to the Washington Redskins. They need to do a lot better this week against the St. Louis Rams, especially considering the offense has not been up to snuff. The Giants cannot afford to give up big plays and fall behind in this game.

Continued Strength Against the Run

Perhaps the one thing the New York Giants did well last week was defend the run. Washington Redskins running back Tim Hightower was limited to just 72 yards on 25 carries.

It shouldn't be overly difficult for the Giants to hold the St. Louis Rams running game in check this week if Pro Bowler Steven Jackson isn't playing.

If the front four can continue to play well (and Justin Tuck is good to go), perhaps the Giants can aid the pass defense with some extra defensive backs.

St. Louis Rams' Keys: Replacing Danny Amendola

Danny Amendola is questionable for Monday night, and expected not to play after he dislocated his elbow against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Amendola was the top receiver for the St. Louis Rams a season ago with 689 yards and (with his 85 receptions) 30 more catches than the second leading receiver, Brandon Gibson.

Gibson and his supporting cast will have to fill the hole left by Amendola.

And Replacing Steven Jackson

Steven Jackson is also expected to be on the sidelines for Monday night's game with a quad injury.

After his 56 yards in the opening of the game, the St. Louis Rams rushing attack was less effective after his exit, only gaining 98 yards on 24 carries.

Carnell "Cadillac" Williams filled in fairly nicely with 91 yards. He will have to have a productive night, especially with the strength of the New York Giants defensive front, if Jackson is out like we expect him to be.

Better Defense Against the Run

The St. Louis Rams were overwhelmed by the Philadelphia Eagles' running game a week ago, giving up 236 yards.

While Michael Vick will not be lining up for the New York Giants, they still have two talented running backs in Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw, and they likely will be leaning on the running game after Tom Coughlin was criticized for under-utilizing it a week ago.

Harassing Eli Manning

The St. Louis Rams did a good job of keeping Michael Vick uncomfortable last week. While Vick rushed for (essentially) 100 yards, the blitzes kept him off balance and kept his completion percentage remarkably low at 42%. They were excellent in covering the speedy Desean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin.

They need to be solid against the pass again Monday night. The New York Giants passing offense was weak last week. If the Rams can harass Eli Manning like they did Vick, they can keep the Giants offense in check.

Protection for Sam Bradford

Sam Bradford was not well protected a week ago, with the Philadelphia Eagles sacking him five times and getting at him on a consistent basis.

The New York Giants present a tough defensive front, even without Osi Umenyiora. Justin Tuck appears to be ready to play, and he is a hard guy to stop.

The St. Louis Rams offensive line has to have a fantastic game to keep Bradford upright and able to make plays.