Justin Tuck Earns Defensive Player of Week Honors

Credit: Andrew Mills/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

After disposing of a trigger shy RGIII four times in a nine-minute stretch of game action on Sunday night, Justin Tuck was expectedly named NFC Defensive Player of the Week. It was his most dominant display of pass rushing ferocity since his 12-sack campaign in 2010-2011, and an impact we aren’t likely to see again from Tuck in a Giants uniform. Since week 7, Jason Pierre-Paul, Terrell Thomas and now Tuck have all taken down DPOW honors.

The Giants defensive unit will face off with a different animal at signal caller in week 14. San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers has posted a 105.4 QB Rating on passes released in 2.5 seconds or less; his receivers find open space on crossing routes and are lethal after the catch. Antonio Gates, Keenan Allen and Eddie Royal all have upwards of 250 YAC yards. Additionally, newly minted tight end Ladarius Green possesses 4.4 speed and is averaging 10.4 yards of YAC on 16 receptions.

Getting pressure on Rivers will be absolutely critical, but the task will be much taller against an experienced thrower. Can Tuck pull another rabbit out of his hat? Outside of Nick Hardwick at the center position, the Chargers offensive line is playing musical chairs. They can be had…