**
- Win the turnover battle.** There's no coincidence that the Giants' first two wins came with their first two favorable turnover margins. They're plus-four in those games without an offensive turnover. They'll need to keep it up to make a run in the second half of the season.
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3. Convert in the red zone. No team will turn down a win, but the Giants had to settle for five field goals in their last game. They have scored just 15 touchdowns in eight games.
4. Stop the run. The Giants have run into some trouble with elusive quarterbacks, but they haven't against running backs. The Giants defense has not allowed a touchdown in 10 quarters, in large part because of its run defense.
5. No special teams errors. Whether it has been a return for a touchdown or a rare miscue by the long snapper, special teams has been an adventure this season. The Giants could also use a lift in their return game, which ranks 26th in both kick and punt return average.
6. Balance. It hasn't resulted in big yardage, but the Giants have committed to the run in their last two games. Maintain balance and control the football.
7. Discipline. Succeeding against an option-style offense is predicated on discipline in gaps and assignments. The Giants will need to keep everything in front of them.
8. Bring pressure. The Giants had a breakthrough with four sacks in their last game, two of which came from the secondary. The improved production from the linebackers and cornerbacks has opened up opportunities for the secondary to make plays near the line of scrimmage.
9. Simplify. This doesn't apply to only the defense's return to basics in the last few weeks. All three phases can do so and feed off each other.
10. Protect No. 10. The offensive line has settled in after dealing with season-ending injuries to starters Chris Snee and David Baas in the first half of the season. The big men up front need to keep Eli Manning’s *white* pants clean this week.
