Jaguars pick apart injured Giants, 26-10

JACKSONVILLE, FLA. —  The Jaguars wore all black, Jack Del Rio sported a blue tie, and Jacksonville’s defense followed suit Monday night with a thorough bruising of the New York Giants.

The Jaguars forced three turnovers, pressured Eli Manning into several poor throws and held Tiki Barber to a season-low 27 yards rushing in a 26-10 victory over the injury-riddled Giants. Jacksonville (6-4) rebounded from an embarrassing loss to Houston and spoiled former coach Tom Coughlin’s homecoming.

“We just didn’t play well, and there’s no excuse for it,” Coughlin said. “This was a big, disappointing game for us.”

David Garrard, who had four interceptions against the Texans, threw for 249 yards and ran for 31 more. Josh Scobee kicked four field goals. Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew combined for 124 yards rushing and two touchdowns.

As well as the Jaguars’ offense played, the defense was even better.

The Jaguars harassed Manning into numerous mistakes and bottled up Barber like few teams have in recent years.

Barber’s 27 yards were his lowest since Nov. 30, 2003, against Buffalo, when he finished with 20 yards on 12 carries.

“It was a pretty pitiful performance all the way around,” Barber said. “I’m shocked our running game could be this unproductive.”

The Giants (6-4) dropped their second straight after a five-game winning streak. They played without defensive ends Michael Strahan (foot) and Osi Umenyiora (hip), cornerback Sam Madison (quadriceps), linebacker Brandon Short (quad) and offensive tackle Luke Petitgout (leg).

The injuries certainly contributed to the poor showing.

Jacksonville, meanwhile, lost another defensive starter -- but didn’t miss a beat.

Already playing without their best tackler in Mike Peterson and best pass rusher in Reggie Hayward, the Jaguars lost safety Donovin Darius for the season in the first quarter with a broken leg.

It’s the second consecutive season that ended early for Darius, who missed most of last year after tearing a ligament in his left knee.

He’ll be missed in the Jaguars’ secondary, but on Monday night, Jacksonville got along fine without him.

Manning finished 19 for 41 for 230 yards, most of which came after the game was decided.

“Mainly,” Manning said, “I’ve got to start playing better football.”

Although the Jaguars dominated much of the game, the Giants looked like they might cut into a 16-10 lead when Manning connected with Plaxico Burress for a 53-yard gain early in the fourth quarter. But the catch was overturned, and the Jaguars finally pulled away in a game that could have been much worse.

Garrard found Matt Jones over the middle for a 49-yard gain, then Jones-Drew scored from three yards out to make the score 23-10.

Jacksonville wore all black for the fourth time in franchise history.

Coughlin’s successor, Del Rio, was dressed for the occasion too, sporting a black suit the NFL granted him permission to wear.