Giants vs Saints: 4 Players in the Spotlight on Monday Night Football

When watching the Monday night game, there's always more exposure to certain individual players than normal.

And with a marquee matchup between the Saints and Giants in The Big Easy, there are four players (two from each team) to look for. All will play a big role (as expected) in the game, and their production is crucial to help their respective team get the W.

Because although nothing is locked up yet for the playoffs, this game can help clear the smoke or fog it back up.

Jason Pierre-Paul: Giants, DE

If it were not for DE Jason Pierre-Paul, the New York Giants would not have a pass rush. Pierre-Paul has compiled 10.5 sacks this season and is the next man in a line of dominant Giants pass-rushers.

Obviously, no one comes close to Lawrence Taylor; however, with the recent history of Michael Strahan, Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora, Paul is making a name for himself on a solid list.

And in addition to his sack-mastery this season, Paul has recorded 44 tackles and deflected four passes.

So, if the Giants want any shot at slowing down the Saints, Pierre-Paul must get some heat on Drew Brees. Because the more time he has to chill in the pocket (even if it's just 0.5 seconds), he will burn the Giants pass defense.

As for New Orleans, expect them to double-team Paul because if they don't, he will be a force for 60 minutes.

Drew Brees: QB, Saints

No surprise here to see Drew Brees on the list. The man is on pace to shatter the single season passing record and has New Orleans ranked No. 1 in pass offense.

That's quite impressive considering how well Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers are performing. That being said, he goes up against a Giants defense that ranks No. 20 against the pass and allows just under 240 yards per game.

You have to expect that Brees will easily top that total as well as 300 yards, since he's averaged over 300 per game at home this season. In addition, the Giants have allowed almost 270 per game in road games (30 more than their season average).

So not only are the odds in Brees' favor to roll, but they're significantly increased being that they get New York at home in The Big Easy. Continue to watch Brees every chance you get, because it's history in the making by regular season's end.

Brandon Jacobs: RB, Giants

According to Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News, Ahmad Bradshaw is out for Week 12:

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"Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw will miss his fourth straight game after being ruled out again because of the stress fracture in his right foot."

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That said, Brandon Jacobs will once again be the Giants main Brahma Bull in a game of high stakes. And if New York wants any shot at winning, Jacobs must produce well throughout.

Currently, the Saints rank No. 1 in passing offense, and the Giants ranks dead last in rush offense. Now sure, the Giants rank No. 4 in pass offense, but can we really expect Eli Manning to keep pace with Drew Brees?

No.

So if New York wants to increase their odds of winning, they must run the ball and control the clock. Keeping New Orleans offense off the field is the answer, because otherwise, the Giants will be outscored significantly.

Therefore, watch to see how Jacobs produces early on. If it's strong enough to minimize the damage from the Saints offense, then he may wear down New Orleans defensive front later on. That is where New York can take over and ride Jacobs to the W.

Roman Harper: Safety, Saints

Let's put it this way, Roman Harper is the Saints defense. He leads New Orleans with 69 tackles and 6.5 sacks in addition to two forced fumbles.

The Saints use his versatility a variety of ways, whether it's blitzing, covering a slot WR or RB and sitting back in cover-2/3 and playing ball hawk.

Now, he may not have any interceptions on the season; however, being that he's used in the box to help stop the run, we may see him back deep more often, as the Giants are a much more passing threat than rushing.

Either way, keep a good eye on Harper throughout this game because the Saints only rank No. 22 against the pass and No. 19 against the rush. So it's for certain the New York will be able to move the ball.

That said, Harper's production will dictate how much or how little the Giants move the ball because they are a one-dimensional offense. And although the Saints are susceptible on defense, Harper and Co. play good enough to help the offense out.

Nonetheless, if there's one guy on New Orleans defense to look for, Roman Harper is that guy.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.