New York Giants: 5 Maladies Currently Affecting Big Blue

After a damaging defeat to its arch rivals the Philadelphia Eagles, the New York Giants once promising season suddenly appears in real jeopardy.

The memory of last year's late collapse is probably still fresh in the minds of many Giants fans. The surging form of the Dallas Cowboys means there is a real risk the Giants could have the NFC East crown once again snatched from within their grasp.

A two-game losing streak has thrown things into serious doubt for the 6-4 New Yorkers, who face a difficult remaining schedule.

It is beginning to look as though the large number of injuries is catching up with Big Blue and a quick return to form would certainly ease anxieties.

Here are the five biggest problems facing the Giants at the moment.

5. Poor Pass Protection

Beginning with their second half showing against the 49ers, the usually stout Giants offensive line has looked extremely shaky.

The pass protection completely disintegrated against the Eagles. Eli Manning was harassed all night long as free Eagles rushers reigned in on the pocket.

The most worrying aspect is that every area of the line is experiencing difficulties. The tackles have struggled to contain edge rushers, while the interior is getting outfought and appears slow to react at the point of attack.

The Giants must find a way to bolster their blocking schemes and return the front five to its best form.

4. Lack of Playmakers at Linebacker

Inexperience and a lack of overall dynamism is hurting the Giants at the linebacker position. The injury to Michael Boley robbed the defense of a valuable and versatile playmaker.

The youngsters who have filled in are too raw to provide enough big plays. Spencer Paysinger and Mark Herzlich were called upon against the Eagles and both were badly exposed in pass coverage.

As hard as Mathias Kiwanuka has tried to lead the unit, he still appears best suited for a role along the line. Kiwanuka has not been helped by the lack of a physical presence manning the middle.

Rookies Greg Jones and Jacquian Williams have failed to make a significant impact at a critical position on the defense.

3. Too Much Scheme on Defense

Perry Fewell does a good job directing a makeshift crew. But it's hard to escape the feeling that sometimes the Giants are a little too scheme-heavy on defense.

Injuries and problems at linebacker have compounded the issue and forced an increase use of the three safety packages.

But the G-men regularly flip flop in and out of various alignments. Fewell likes to roll in different looks and fronts on an almost play-to-play basis.

This can create confusion amongst the personnel and the Giants can sometimes be caught in the wrong defense .

Variety is an important component of any defensive structure, but too much change may not be the best way forward when forced to rely on so many inexperienced players.

2. Poor Play Calling in Critical Situations on Offense

Kevin Gilbride's play calling has been a contentious issue for some time. He has frequently displayed an annoying penchant for choosing a slow developing play at the worst time.

His decision making in short yardage and red zone situations is particularly suspect. The choice to run a delayed draw out of the shotgun formation proved very costly two weeks ago in San Franciso.

Gilbride failed to find an appropriate remedy to the Eagles pass rush or expose their own issues at linebacker.

Given his run and shoot origins, it is surprising how poor the Giants screen game is. More middle screens to the tight ends and wideouts could provide an effective change of pace against a disruptive pass rush.

1. Lack of a Running Game

The Giants running game has been below par for most of the season but the low point came against Philadelphia. Big Blue's efforts on the ground were woeful.

Giants runners managed a meager 29 yards. This allowed the Eagles defense to simply tee off on Manning. Ahmad Bradshaw's injury was a major blow, but it does not excuse the dormant ground attack.

Veteran Brandon Jacobs needs to rediscover his best form and fast. He has run with too high a pad level in recent weeks and seems to lack his usual ferocity at the point of contact.

If Jacobs doesn't shape up soon, the Giants will have to take a long look at seventh-round draft choice Da'Rel Scott.

New York must find a way to boost its rushing efforts and restore this long time franchise staple. Without a sufficient threat on the ground, Manning can expect more nights like the one he experienced against the Eagles.

Unity Is the Key to a Turnaround

Things are looking bleak for the Giants at the moment. The anger and fear surrounding them is eerily reminiscent of last season.

But the team still has enough talent to secure the NFC East and book a return to the postseason. The schedule is daunting, but the Giants are always tough to beat.

They must avoid becoming a fractured squad. In recent seasons the Giants have been guilty of quickly falling out amongst themselves when things begin to go wrong.

Players like Jacobs and Osi Umenyiora need to put aside any differences they may have with the coaching staff and lead by example.

It's time for Tom Coughlin and the more experienced members of his roster to come together and make a determined effort to cure their ills.