(Sports Network) - Statistically speaking, it could be a rough go. Jacksonville's strength -- running the football to the tune of 135.3 yards per week that's sixth-best in the NFL -- will be matched up with the New York defense's strength of stopping the run, which the Giants have done while allowing just 89.5 yards per week on the ground (4th overall). The Jaguars, meanwhile, average 200.3 yards through the air, 335.6 total yards and 22 points per week -- totals that are 25th, 20th and 18th in the league, respectively.
New York's scoring defense matches the Jags' 22-point average output and is 17th in the league, though its total yardage (282.4 ypg) and passing yardage numbers (192.9 ypg) are second and third among the 32 teams, respectively.
David Garrard is four touchdown passes shy of Mark Brunell's single-year franchise record of 20 and has a 111.4 passer rating this season on the road. The East Carolina product has been particularly good in the clutch, as a 129.3 rating in the fourth quarter shows. Jones-Drew aims for game No. 4 in a row with 100 or more scrimmage yards and he's averaged 107.8 rush yards in his last four starts against NFL foes. Among Garrard's targets, wideout Thomas seeks a fourth straight game with a touchdown catch and tight end Marcedes Lewis enters the game second at his position with a franchise-best eight scoring grabs.
For New York, end Justin Tuck tied career highs with three sacks and two forced fumbles last week, while linemate Osi Umenyiora has five sacks in his last three home games and seven sacks and six forced fumbles in his last seven games overall. Safety Deon Grant, a former Jaguar, is tied for the team lead with three interceptions, marking the 10th straight season in which hes had at least two interceptions. Also, cornerback Terrell Thomas tied a career high with 10 tackles last week in addition to a fumble recovery, two pass deflections and a blocked field goal.