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Entering Week 10, stopping the run has been a significant issue for the New York Giants. Through nine games, Big Blue ranks second in rushing yards allowed (1,350), is tied for second in rushing touchdowns allowed (12) and is permitting opponents a league-high 5.5 yards per carry. Poor tackling, a lack of turnovers, linemen failing to shed blocks and the inability to contain scrambling quarterbacks are some of the issues. Still, the Giants must improve significantly at stopping the run. New York will travel to Chicago to face the Bears (5-3) on Sunday. Can the Giants' defense step up and stop the run? A mighty weak spot This has been an issue for the Giants all season, but it's become clearer during their three-game losing streak. In those three losses to the Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers, New York allowed a terrible 192 yards per game and opposing runners averaged six yards per carry. According to Pro Football Focus, the Giants are the worst team in the league for yards after contact allowed and are second-to-last in missed tackles. If the Giants are going to give up yards quickly, two things must happen for them to stay a competent defense. First, the team needs more turnovers. They rank 30th in the NFL with a turnover rate of 6.1. The defense has created only a few extra possessions for its offense. Second, the team needs more sacks. The Giants have recorded just 21 sacks this season, which ranks 17th in the NFL. Brian Burns has contributed 11 of those sacks. If Burns' sacks are excluded, the Giants would be tied with the Jaguars for last place in that category. A dangerous opponent Through eight games, the Bears' rushing attack ranks among the league's best. They are fifth in total rushing yards (1,155), second in yards per game (144.4) and tenth in rushing touchdowns (9). Chicago's lead back, D'Andre Swift, has been outstanding this season, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. What spells trouble for the Giants is that the Bears' second running back — Kyle Monangai — has been just as impressive. A rookie from Rutgers, Monangai has averaged 5.3 yards on 68 attempts. With Swift out in Week 9, the 23-year-old surged with 176 yards on 26 carries, averaging 6.8 yards per run. The Bears expect both Swift and Monangai to be healthy for Sunday.
