21.  Defensive linemen Charles Haley (right calf strain), Leon Lett (right ankle) and Russell Maryland (right ankle sprain) are doubtful.

22.  Defensive linemen Marvin Washington and Erik Howard each were hit with $12,000 fines for their actions last Sunday against the Rams.

23.  Defensive linemen Ryan Nielsen, Matt Childers, Lonnie Ford and Shamsud-Din Abdul-Shaheed are all exceeding expectations this season.

24.  Defensive midfielders Chad Deering and Brian Maisonneuve, both capable playmakers as well, provide a foundation for the whole thing to work.

25.  Defensive partners are expected to be Berg and Rob Blake; Darryl Sydor and Sean O'Donnell; and Denis Tsygurov and Marty McSorley.

26.  Defensive pass interference, plain and simple," Kruczek said.

27.  Defensive Player of the Year: Take your pick between Dikembe Mutombo and Alonzo Mourning.

28.  Defensive Player of Year Leading candidates: Seattle's Payton, Atlanta's Dikembe Mutombo, Miami's Mourning and the Suns' Clifford Robinson.

29.  Defensive slipups and costly home runs have eroded some of the Giants' confidence, on the eve of their biggest series of the season.

30.  Defensive stars Eugene Robinson, Doug Evans and Gabe Wilkins departed via free agency.