New York Giants Official Website

  Leaders step up
  By Michael Eisen, Giants.com

NOVEMBER 4, 2009

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - Antonio Pierce was typically blunt today in his assessment of the recent play of the Giants' defense.

"We are turning pretty much into a laughingstock as far as how we are playing on defense," Pierce said.

That might be an overstatement, but there's no denying the unit has struggled. New Orleans, Arizona and Philadelphia combined to score 112 points in beating the Giants the last three weeks.

But help, apparently, is on the way. Linebacker Michael Boley (who recently had knee surgery) and lineman Chris Canty (calf) both practiced today. Officially, they were limited, but each expects to be on the field Sunday when the Giants attempt to end their losing streak at home against the San Diego Chargers.

Further down the road, cornerback Aaron Ross continues to test the injured hamstring that has sidelined him the entire season, and he hopes to return after next week's bye.

Boley and Canty offer more immediate help. Boley missed the preseason while recovering from June surgery to repair a torn labrum in his hip and the opener because of an NFL suspension. He played well in the Giants' victories at Dallas, Tampa Bay and Kansas City in Weeks 2-4. A month ago today, he was one of the best players on the field against the Chiefs with five unassisted tackles, including four for losses, a four-yard sack, a quarterback hit and two passes defensed. But his knee began to ache on the flight home from Kansas City and two days later, he underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus.

Boley began running last week and after practicing today, he is confident he is far enough along to help the team against San Diego.

"It was good," he said. "Getting a chance to get back on the field was great. Being able to actually run around a little bit with my teammates, instead of being on the sideline working with the trainers, I felt real good about it.

"If it was up to me, I would play every week. I think it's a big step forward. I think it's one of those things that in my mind that starting with today, seeing how things go throughout the week, that I could play, it's possible. Then again we will have to see how things go."

Boley discounted the sense of urgency theory, which holds that he needs to rush back to help a defense that has faltered the last three weeks.

"It's a young season, it's a real young season," he said. "It's not one of those things where I am going to sit here and say, 'I'm rushing to get back, it's Week 15.' That's not the case. The season is still young, we've got a another half of the season.

"We are going to get better. It's one of those things where we have had some tough games over the last three weeks and just coming into this game, we basically have to sit back and focus on the little things. Over these past couple weeks it hasn't been anything big that has hurt us. It's always been a small thing here or a small thing there, but we put our faith in the coaches, and the players are going to get this thing corrected and turned around."

Canty, like Boley, was acquired early in the free agency signing period to bolster the defense. He also missed most of camp and the preseason games with a hamstring injury. Canty had two solo tackles, including one for a loss, in the opening victory over Washington. Then the calf injury developed, forcing Canty to miss the next seven games. After so much idle time, he is eager to rejoin the defensive line rotation.

"Being able to go out there and move around and compete and get ready for this game on Sunday is definitely a good feeling," Canty said.

Tom Coughlin always cautions that injured players must wait to the day after their first workout to assess how they feel. Canty is certain he'll be fine. "All those hurdles in my mind, I'm past," he said. "The plan in my mind tomorrow (is) to go out there and participate fully in practice again. Obviously, the coaches and the training staff will have something to say about that. I just follow their recommendations and govern myself accordingly."

During his four seasons with the Cowboys before coming here, Canty never missed a game, playing in 64 regular season and two postseason contests. Sitting and watching has not only been a new experience for him, it's been extremely unpleasant.

"It's been tough, particularly not being able to contribute to the football team, especially in the tough times," Canty said. "I kind of had to put my blinders on and go about getting myself healthy so that I would be able to contribute to this football team in the future. I think I tried to do the best job I could focusing on that and here we are today."

Canty was asked if it was harder the last three weeks, when the defense has not played to its potential.

"It's difficult in any circumstance, even when we were winning," he said. "When we were 5-0 it was difficult not being out there contributing to the success of your football team. It's tough - I have never had to deal with that and it comes with a dose of humility as well."

The other defensive players were happy to see Boley and Canty back on the field with them.

"I think we will get some of our soldiers back, which definitely will help us," linebacker Danny Clark said. "That's the reason we brought guys in, to solidify our defense and make it stronger then ever. I am excited to have all the fellas back in the huddle and the camaraderie is getting built on a day-to-day basis. It will be a great opportunity to get us out there."

Ross, who started all 15 games (plus the postseason contest) in which he played last year, has been on the field less than Boley or Canty. He suffered a hamstring injury early in training camp, then aggravated it soon after his return to the practice field. Ross has not played in a game this season and second-year pro Terrell Thomas has taken over his starting job.

The Giants will be off for a week after playing San Diego. They will return to action against Atlanta on Nov. 22. If Ross' wish comes true, he will be on the field that day.

"That's the goal I am setting," Ross said. "It feels good. I am running, cutting, jumping. Doing everything I need to be doing, I just need to have someone in front of me to see how it is."

Like his two compatriots, Ross is enduring a forced idleness he hopes never to repeat.

"You grow a new respect for the game when you have sat out the whole season," Ross said. "I have missed a game or two here and there but never anything like this."

For the three injured Giants defenders, the long wait should soon end.

NOTES

*The Giants were noticeably upbeat after the first day of their workweek.

"We had a good practice today," Pierce said. "Guys are focused and energetic, which is just what we needed."

"We had a great practice today," Clark said. "We can definitely get better tomorrow, so that is our objective."

*Running back Ahmad Bradshaw did not practice today. He followed his Wednesday custom of keeping his injured ankle and foot in a protective boot.

In addition to Boley and Canty, tight end Kevin Boss (ankle) and wide receivers Mario Manningham (shoulder) and Sinorice Moss (foot) were limited. No other player is on the injury report.

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