EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) - A year after carrying the Giants to their second Super Bowl title in five seasons, New York's defense is one of the major reasons the team is on the verge of missing the playoffs.

Heading into the final weekend of the regular season, the Giants defense is ranked No. 30 in the NFL. Only Jacksonville and New Orleans are worse.

The pass rush that hounded and battered opposing quarterbacks last season seems a distant memory. The run defense is non-existent and big plays by opponents are more the norm than the exception.

Even coordinator Perry Fewell seems to be at a loss, especially after the past two weeks. The Giants (8-7) have been outscored 67-14 in losses to Atlanta and Baltimore and have given up 927 yards combined.

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