Tom Coughlin wouldn't reveal his plan. The Giants' coach didn't drop many hints Friday about how long he'll play his starters in what amounts to a meaningless game (for the Giants) against the Vikings on Sunday.
But one thing surely won't be in doubt: Whoever is on the field for the Giants defensively will face a daunting task for the second straight game.
Last week, the Giants were tested by Carolina's potent 1-2 running punch of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Now they're going to face another talented tailback tandem: Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor.
"Having a two-headed monster at running back is always tough," linebacker Danny Clark said. "One guy gets tired and another one comes back in and there is no drop-off. So both of these guys are high-quality backs. Of course, Adrian Peterson is the guy we focus on most and then on third down, they use Chester Taylor a whole lot with screens and draws. He is just as dynamic as Adrian. We definitely have to keep our eyes open for him."
As Clark noted, Peterson is the headliner, and he hasn't fallen victim to the dreaded sophomore slump. Peterson, who missed the Vikings' 41-17 thrashing of the Giants at the Meadowlands last year with a torn ligament in his right knee, is the NFL's leading rusher. He has gained 1,657 yards, scored nine touchdowns and averaged 4.8 yards per carry, numbers that put his name in the discussion of league MVP.
"He would get our vote," Antonio Pierce said. "You watch on film and it is a highlight reel. He is a very talented, talented running back, obviously one of the best in the league."
Said Clark: "He's amazing. Watching tape, he is doing some amazing things. DeAngelo Williams has a great stiff-arm and that's another thing Adrian Peterson has. I saw him play against Tampa Bay, where he stiff-armed like four people on the same play and never went down. They ended up pushing him out of bounds. We have to break that stiff-arm down and get that guy on the ground at all costs."
The Giants haven't had much success keeping running backs in check of late. The Eagles' Brian Westbrook ran for 131 yards and a touchdown and added 72 receiving yards and a TD reception. The Cowboys' Tashard Choice rushed for 91 yards and a touchdown on only nine carries and added 52 receiving yards. Williams ran for 108 yards and four touchdowns last Sunday.
"We have played some darn good running backs and some very good offensive lines, so I think that is where it starts," Coughlin said. "Sure, you always want to go in and rush the ball and stop the run. I mean, that is where it all starts. These schemes, these coaching staffs and these players are very, very good at it."
Notes & quotes: CB Aaron Ross (concussion) and LB Gerris Wilkinson (knee) have been ruled out for Sunday's game. TE Kevin Boss (ankle/concussion) is doubtful. RB Brandon Jacobs (knee), DT Barry Cofield (knee) and T Kareem McKenzie (back) are questionable. DT Fred Robbins (shoulder) and DE Justin Tuck (lower leg) are probable. McKenzie, Tuck and Robbins were limited in practice Friday and the others did not practice.
Sunday
Giants at Minnesota
1 p.m.
TV: Ch. 5
Radio: WFAN (660)
