The time for talking is almost over. After days of verbal volleys between the two New York football teams, the Giants (7-7) will face the Jets (8-6) on Saturday, December 24 at MetLife Stadium (1:00 p.m. EST). Aside from taking Big Apple bragging rights, the winner will take a step closer to the playoffs. For the Giants, who can win the NFC East with a victory against the Jets and Dallas Cowboys (in the season finale, the game and season may depend on these five key players.
Eli Manning (QB): Manning is in the midst of a career year with 4,325 yards passing and 25 touchdowns, but December historically has been his worst month. He's 15-19 with a quarterback rating of 75.0 in the 12th month (both career worsts). The Jets are ranked No. 7 in the National Football League in passing defense (2,871 yards allowed) and have yielded the second-fewest aerial touchdowns in the league (13).
Victor Cruz (WR): Cruz popped off a couple of weeks ago and guaranteed the Giants will make the playoffs. This week, Cruz said teams "aren't really scared" to throw at Jets' Pro Bowl cornerback Darrelle Revis. The second-year pro may be enjoying a breakout season with 1,194 yards and seven touchdowns, but it's time for him to put his money where his mouth is and come up big.
Corey Webster (CB) — Jets receiver Santonio Holmes has thrown down the gauntlet. Said Holmes about Webster, "I can't wait to see him Saturday. I hope he's ready to bring his 'A' game." The Giants' pass defense is ranked No. 29 in the NFL, so you know Jets QB Mark Sanchez will take shots down the field. If Webster can take Holmes away as an option, the Jets' offense may have trouble moving the ball.
Jason Pierre-Paul (DE) — Pierre-Paul single-handedly took down the Dallas Cowboys last week with two sacks, including a safety, and a blocked field goal attempt as time expired. If Revis is the game-changer for Gang Green, Pierre-Paul (14 sacks) is the wrecking ball for Big Blue. Left tackle and two-time Pro Bowler D'Brickashaw Ferguson will earn his paycheck this week if he can stop JPP.
Lawrence Tynes (K) — For all the bravado from both teams, the game may come down to a kicker (the Jets are favored by a field goal) and Tynes has been reliable. He has connected on 16 of 20 kicks overall (80 percent) and 15 of 17 from inside 50 yards. Every point will count in this game.
Adam Martini is a freelance sports writer who proudly wears his Rodney Hampton jersey on Sundays during the football season. He grew up in Queens, N.Y. rooting for the Giants despite being surrounded by Jets fans.
