Giants Come Up Big For 2nd Straight Win

For the second straight game the Giants' defense completely shut down the running game and applied pressure on the opposing QB. And this time the Giants' offense contributed a strong game leading to a 34-10 drubbing of the Houston Texans.

This was no small victory. Not only was Houston a good team, it was probably the most balanced offensive attack the Giants have seen. But, perhaps equally as important as the win, the continued strong play of the defense provides a real confidence boost. The Giants defense is starting to get its mojo back. The importance of team confidence cannot be overstated when it comes to success in football.

Later today they face an up and coming Detroit team. The Lions are no longer doormats and a game against Detroit no longer equates to an automatic "W". They are a much stronger team this year, stronger than their actual record shows. And the one thing that they have not yet demonstrated is the capability to win on the road. They are a team on a mission with something to prove and you know that every player in that locker room wants to get the monkey off their backs by finally winning an away game.

The Giants are the better team and they should clearly win the game. But this isn't Detroit of two years ago. This team is going to show up and play physical on both sides of the ball. More than anything else, the Giants can't give the game away with turnovers and stupid penalties. Because, if they make mistakes, this Detroit team will capitalize and put a quick end to the success and momentum the Giants have built over the past two weeks. And a loss would result in a different Giants team - a different confidence level - heading into Dallas next week.

So, the Giants should win but accomplishing that will require a change from what they've done so far this year ... cleaning up their act. They have to win the turnover battle and, preferably, accomplish that with zero turnovers of their own. And they have to avoid stupid penalties. If there was ever a game for Coughlin to impose his will and demand mistake free football, this is it. If they do that, they should win handily.

Prediction: Giants 27 Detroit 14.