What is going on with the Giants defense? After yesterday's pitiful defensive performance, they are in need of a makeover.Two weeks ago, the Giants had the number one defense in the NFL. After three straight losses, the defense continues to give up huge chunks of yardage. Yesterday, in Philadelphia, the Eagles clobbered the Giants 40-17. In this game, the Giants defense gave up big plays. A gain of 20 yards on the ground or through the air will be labeled a big play. The Eagles had six big plays. Here is a breakdown of the Eagles' big plays.41 yard run by Weaver (TD)28 yard pass to Avant54 yard pass to Jackson (TD)20 yard pass to Celek23 yard pass to Maclin (TD)66 yard run McCoy (TD)Since playing formidable opponents, the Giants defense has been exploited. New Orleans, Arizona, and now Philadelphia have carved up this suspect defensive unit. If we take a look at the numbers, this problem goes back to last season. In January, before the Giants played the Eagles in the NFC Divisional Playoff, I posted the following:From Pro Football Weekly:In the final four regular-season games, three of them losses, the Giants have allowed runs of 30, 38, 23, 20 and 67 yards and pass plays of 40, 32, 34, 35, 60, 41 and 54 yards. During that time, they have only two offensive plays of their own longer than 27 yards — a 40-yard reception and a 51-yard run, both against the Panthers in the one victory. This disturbing trend has been lost a bit amid the Giants’ earning the No. 1 seed, but head coach Tom Coughlin knows that it can’t continue into January. “I’m not putting the blame on anybody; I’m just telling you it has to stop,” Coughlin said. “I realize where we are in the big-play category with the past, but there have been plays there to be made and we have to make those plays. So, when you get into the playoffs, you are in a single-elimination tournament; you have the opportunity to make those plays. They are going to be there for you, but you have to take advantage of it.” This has been on going problem which has not been corrected. In Steve Spagnuoulo's last game as Giants' defensive coordinator, the Giants lost to the Eagles 23-11 in the NFC Divisional Playoff. In this game, the Giants gave up two big plays. 21 yard pass to Jason Avant. Recall, this was a backbreaking play. The Eagles converted a 3rd and 20. Even Giants GM Jerry Reese concedes this play was the turning point of the game.48 yard pass to DeSean Jackson. This long pass play gave the Eagles the ball at the Giants one yard line. Subsequently, a few plays later, the Eagles scored a touchdown which sealed the win for Philly.During the offseason, Steve Spagnoulo moved on to become the Rams Head Coach. The Giants promoted linebacker coach Bill Sheridan to defensive coordinator. And the reason for the Giants early exit in the playoffs- the front seven got tired. According to the Football Outsiders, The working theory of the Giants organization is simpler:The front seven got tired. Although they knew that getting Umenyiora back would help assuage some depth issues, general manager Jerry Reese went shoppingin free agency and came back with linebacker MichaelBoley and defensive tackles Rocky Bernard and Chris Canty. Thus far, Canty has been injured. Due to injuries, Boley too has played sparingly. Rocky Bernard has been a disappointment. Prior to the draft, I thought Reese was going to continue to bolster his defense. In my judgment, I thought the Giants needed to add quality depth to the defensive backfield. The Football Outsiders validated my thinking. It’s that secondary which may end up being the concernof the defense. While Corey Webster built on his 2007 playoff performance and had a huge 2008 campaign,the rest of the secondary was unimpressive. Aaron Ross looked lost for most of the year, taking too many false steps and failing to make tackles downfield. Nickel corner Terrell Thomas looked very good as a rookie, and might end up taking Ross’ job if the former Texas star continues to struggle, but the Giants would be much better off if Ross could hold up in coverage and Thomas could stay in the nickel. There’s also uncertaintyat safety, where 2008 first-round pick Kenny Phillips takes over at strong safety from James Butler, with no depth behind either him or free starter Michael Johnson. The organization’s failure to address depth issuesbefore the sixth round of this year’s draft — the team signed only mediocre Texans safety C.C. Brown in free agency — could very well come back to bite them if Webster or Phillips goes down with an injury. Unfortunately, Kenny Phillips has gone down with a season ending injury. His absence, has left a big void at the safety position. Furthermore, due to a nagging hamstring injury, starting cornerback Aaron Ross has not played a down this year. Because of these key injuries, the Giants do not have quality secondary depth. Even the Football Outsiders were dubious about safety C.C. Brown. They called him mediocre. I think he cannot guard NFL receivers. I have charted big plays from Dallas, New Orleans, and Arizona games. Here is the results.Against Dallas, the Giants' gave up six big plays. All of these plays were runs.Barber runs of 27, 26, and 35 yards.Jones runs of 24 and 56 yards.20 yard run by CraytonAgainst the Saints, the Giants defense suffered a major hemorrhage. The defense gave up 7 big plays. Six of these plays were passes and one was a run.Passes to Colston for 29, 40, and 26 yards.Passes to Meachem for 36 (TD) and 34 yards.Pass to Moore for 22 yards.25 yard run by Pierre Thomas.Against Arizona, the Cardinals had 4 big plays. All of these big plays were passes.23 yard pass to Breaston.44 yard pass to Boldin26 and 27 yard passes to Fitzgerald.Despite losing three staight games, the Giants are 5-3 at the half way point of the 2009 season. Hopefully, the Giants can get free agent acquistion DT/DE Chris Canty on the field. Supposedly, after the bye week, LB Michael Boley is due to return to the starting lineup . If Ross can come back, his presence will bolster the Giants embattled secondary. At this point, there is plenty of football left. Although the meter is running, the Giants coaching staff has time to figure this out.