Seahawks vs. Giants: 5 Adjustments New York Must Make

The Giants are on something of a mini-roll, with three wins in a row. But today they've been lackluster against the lowly Seahawks and Tavaris Jackson.

The Giants are without star defensive end Justin Tuck and running back Brandon Jacobs. So the big question marks heading into the game had less to do with what the Seahawks would bring to the table, than with whether or not the Giants would have enough firepower on the bench to get pressure on the quarterback and run the ball effectively.

So far it's been a mixed bag to say the least. What changes should New York make in the second half to get the win?

1. Find creative ways to hit the quarterback

Tavaris Jackson should never hurt the Giants, but the absence of Justin Tuck is keeping the G-Men from hitting the Seattle quarterback as much as they would like.

Simply put, without Tuck, the Giants need to do more than rush four and expect to get to the quarterback. Defensive coordinator Perry Fewell needs to start bringing more creative blitzes. Ideally, New York wants Jackson as confused and sore as possible.

2. Shore up the run defense

So far, Justin Tuck's absence is being felt even more against the run than against the pass. Marshawn Lynch has run all over the Giants, and New York is going to have to find a way to stop him and put the pressure back on Tavaris Jackson. Even though it means putting faith in their makeshift secondary, the New York should consider putting eight men in the box and overloading against the run.

3. Stay with the running game.

Despite being behind, the Giants need to control the tempo with an effective running game. Even without Jacobs, New York should try to dominate the line of scrimmage. More carries for DJ Ware are in order as a relief for Bradshaw, and if Jacobs can't go again next week, it's time for the G-Men to consider giving speedster Da'Rel Scott a chance.

4. Get Hakeem Nicks involved

Hakeem Nicks is the best wide receiver on the Giants' squad and one of the top 10 wideouts in the league, yet so far, aside from his last-second TD, he's been limited. New York's offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride needs to gameplan a way to get the ball in Nicks' hands on a consistent basis in the second half. 

5. Hit a home run

Playing at home, the Giants need to ignite the crowd with a big play. So far, Eli hasn't been able to connect on a long pass, and Bradshaw hasn't been able to break anything.

The start of the second half would be a great time to send Hakeem Nicks or Victor Cruz deep on a play-action and take a shot.