RB'S BRANDON JACOBS & PEYTON HILLISJacobs inspired the team last week with the first 100-yard rushing performance of the season for the Giants. Making his first start since 2011, Jacobs averaged 4.8 yards per carry and scored two touchdowns, allowing the Giants to find a balance on offense. Jacobs has been limited with a hamstring this week but hopes to again lead the rushing attack on Monday night.The Giants added a former 1,000-yard rusher this week when they signed running back Peyton Hillis, who previously played for the Broncos, Browns, Chiefs, and Buccaneers. After making his mark in the NFL with Cleveland in 2010, Hillis was brought in to shore up the position with David Wilson out with a neck injury and Da'Rel Scott waived/injured this week. With four practices under his belt, Hillis will contribute in any capacity the team sees fit.

QB ELI MANNINGHe's not going anywhere, but Eli Manning and the Giants offense know they need to clean up the turnover problem that has plagued the team all season. The Giants' 23 turnovers (16 interceptions) are the most in the NFL, leading to a league-worst minus-16 differential."I'm not listening to what's being said," Manning insisted. "I know in the NFL or in anything you're doing, it's always a case of what have you done for me lately and each year you have to go out there and prove that you deserve to be at the position that you are and earn your (support) and earn your role. Obviously, I have to play better at a higher level, but I know I can do that."

DE JUSTIN TUCKOver the extended layoff between the Thursday game against Chicago and Monday night against Minnesota, the Giants have been taking a long look at their pass rush, which ranks last in the NFL with five sacks. Usually a trademark for the team, the pass rush is looking for a breakthrough and looking to veterans like defensive co-captain Justin Tuck."I'll be the first one to tell you that it starts with me, it starts with what I do individually," Tuck said. "And I think every player on the D-line feels the same way."

LB JON BEASONAcquired in a trade six days before last Thursday's game in Chicago, Beason made his first start with the Giants and led the team with 12 tackles (11 solo). As Beason tries to get back to his Pro Bowl days, the front seven of the Giants defense will have a tall task against Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson, the reigning NFL MVP.(Jon)'s excited, he played hard and physical, he made a lot of tackles, and all of that in trying to understand exactly what we want out of that position," Giants coach Tom Coughlin said earlier this week. "He'll learn as he goes on here, but he is a very aggressive player and that was a big plus for our team."