Tall Tales – The Giants Go Marching In.

The G-Men head to the Crescent City on Monday night to play the Saints, and things aren’t looking that good for the boys from New York City. The team has been hit with even more injuries, especially the detached retina to starting left tackle Will Beatty, which has sidelined him for an undetermined amount of time. Dave Diehl will slide back over onto the left tackle slot (his natural position), and the Giants will field a somewhat patchwork offensive line.

All told, the prognosis for a Giants victory seems limited, and we now detail our reasons why.First, the Saints had a late bye week, and come into the game relatively healthy. The Giants, as noted are banged up both physically and emotionally. Historically, the Giants thrive when they are faced with a must win situation, and this game describes things perfectly. On the defensive side of the ball, the Giants are starting three rookie linebackers, and they haven’t been all that impressive in game situations to date. Jimmy Graham presents a unique challenge for the Giants. The situation could become especially hellish for the G-Men if Darren Sproles gets untracked. The Falcons managed to take him out of the game plan, but unless Perry Fewell can work a miracle, it doesn’t appear as if the Giants will be able to stop both Graham and Sproles.

The Saints running backs have ability and depth, and look as if they will have the opportunity to run on the Giants. It sounds like the same old song, but the Giants haven’t been completely effective at stopping the running game this year. Once again, if the Saints can run the ball, it will set up their passing game, and make for a long night. If the Giants have shown one ability, it is the ability to sack and pressure the opposing QB. Of late, the D has been getting more pressure on the opposing QB’s they face, but not as many sacks. Conversely, the Giants have 6 INT’s in November, the most in this season. Conversely, Brees has thrown more INT’s this season that in previous years.

The Saints are vulnerable to teams that have a dynamic passing attack, especially among the receivers. The G-Men meet this criteria, although it appears as if Mario Manningham’s injury is more serious than it appears. Ahmad Bradshaw appears to be another scratch, and everyone is wondering when Brandon Jacobs will show up. When he carries the ball 21 or more times the Giants’ record is sharply positive. If he can’t get started, then we’re looking at Ware and Scott.

General trivia: Eli Manning has never beaten the Saints, and Saints head coach Sean Payton is 2-0 againts his former team. The Saints play well in November, with a record of 12-2 since 2008. If there is any consolation or hope for the Giants, it is this: they beat the St. Louis Rams 28-16 back in September in an ugly game. The Rams pasted the Saints  31-21 back in October in a game that was even uglier for the Saints.

My heart hopes the Giants can pull off the upset, but my head tells me that the odds are against us. Who Dat Dere gonna beat dem Saints? This week, not the G-Men. New Orleans 31, Giants 17. I hope to eat a healthy serving of crow come Tuesday morning.