Defense truly rests for Giants

The quarterback's right shoulder is a concern, because the quarterback's shoulder will always be a concern when it leaves a game bruised, when it departs a city a little less healthy than when it arrived. So the Giants will hold their breath with Eli Manning this week, they'll see how the wing responds to ice and to treatment and they'll hope he'll be at full strength next week, when the Packers come to Giants Stadium for the home opener. As well as Manning played last night against the Cowboys, it's enough to make you wonder what the season holds in store for him.

But as poorly as the Giants' defense played last night, it's enough to make you want to shrug your shoulders - even bruised shoulders - and wonder something else: What good will an ascendant Eli Manning be to the Giants if he can throw for 312 yards and four touchdowns and put 35 points on the board on the road . . . and still lose by 10? "The Cowboys," defensive end Justin Tuck said, "definitely put a kink in our plans."  Continue