1.  Defensive leadership and an emotional approach for the whole team have been the keys to the San Francisco 49ers' resurgence since the devastating loss to Philadelphia.

2.  Defensive line coach Romeo Crennel will interview with the Chargers and Jets, though he already may have received an offer from the Patriots.

3.  Defensive lineman have a direct bearing on the game."

4.  Defensive Player of the Year: If Robinson is dethroned as MVP, let him have this one, for his ability to be everywhere at once.

5.  Defensive players have been told not to start publicly ripping into their offensive teammates.

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

7.  Defensive tackle Eric Swann is scheduled to have his seventh knee operation today.

8.  Defensive tackles Travis Hall and Shane Dronett have had their contracts restructured to create cap room.

9.  Defensively we have had a good year.

10.  Defensively we have to improve.