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John Harbaugh and Giants have one main problem heading into Week 6
New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

John Harbaugh and Giants have one main problem heading into Week 6

The New York Giants are without franchise quarterback Jaxson Dart following his early, season-ending injury, but they're still managing to hold their own. Sure, they tied the Washington Commanders in Week 5, and that was a massive disappointment, but this team is still No. 1 in the NFC East, and its season is far from over.

That just shows how new head coach John Harbaugh has really changed this team from the inside out. Even without Dart, the Giants have been pulling off wins and a tie, and that means something to the New York fan base.

However, heading into the team's Week 6 game against the New Orleans Saints, Harbaugh and company should be focused on fixing one problem.

Giants' defensive line depth is a growing concern

In ESPN's NFL power rankings heading into Week 6, the outlet ranks the Giants at No. 19 following their tie with the Commanders.

ESPN notes that the team's biggest defensive problem is its "interior defensive line depth."

"The Giants are thin on the interior of their defensive line, so it's no wonder they are ranked 25th in run defense (127.6 rushing yards allowed per game), and 30th in yards allowed per carry (5.19)," reporter Jordan Raanan notes. "On the Commanders' first two long touchdown runs Sunday, starting defensive linemen DJ Reader and Shelby Harris were off the field, replaced by Darius Alexander and CJ Okoye."

He adds that "New York is going to need to find a more palatable rotation."

So, don't be surprised if the Giants make a trade or a last-minute free-agent signing before Nov. 10 to fix this problem. General manager Joe Schoen and Harbaugh have already made some minor trades to add depth, so it could happen again. Not every trade has to make headlines.

Anne Erickson

Anne Erickson is an award-winning news reporter covering the NFL, NBA, college sports and more for Yardbarker. Erickson has years of experience covering the NFL and other sports, and her work has been published by Fox Sports, ESPN and Newsweek, among others. She has also interviewed a bevy of big names in sports and entertainment, including Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, Lions edge Aidan Hutchinson and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott

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