Giants defense feeling angry

The big number in conversation this week about the Eagles game against the Giants has been 219. As in, the Giants ran for 219 yards in their 36-31 win at the Linc last month.

For the Giants' defense, however, the big number is 31, the number of points the Birds scored. The Eagles have posted more than 31 points four times this season. Consider these numbers from the Giants:

* The 31 points was the second-highest total they have allowed this season. Cleveland scored 35 in the Giants' only loss of the season.

* Since giving up 45 and then 35 points in the opening two games of the 2007 season, opposing teams have hit 30 just five times. Dallas (31), Minnesota (41) and New England (38) last season (though the Vikings scored three defensive touchdowns) and Cleveland and the Eagles this year. The Eagles game was the only Giants victory in that group.

* It was the most points a Tom Coughlin-coached team (the Jaguars and Giants) has surrendered in a victory.

* The Eagles scored four touchdowns and a field goal on five trips into the red zone.

Check out some of these quotes from Giants defensive players to reporters and you know they remain unhappy and how many points the Eagles put up:

"That is a disappointment," middle linebacker Antonio Pierce said of the Eagles' output in the first meeting. "Our goal every week is 17 points or less. We thought we played well, but when you look at the scoreboard they put up 31 points."

"We still got the win, but there will always be a bitter taste knowing you didn't play well," defensive end Justin Tuck said. "We have to do better than that this week."

"It is a surprise," defensive tackle Fred Robbins said. "It is something that bothers you, because you know you want to give your offense a chance and you want to give your team a chance to win the game. Obviously, to give up almost twice of what we allow ourselves is not good."

An angry Giants defense is probably not what the Eagles were hoping for ...