1.   An injury-depleted season that saw the defense rank last in nearly every statistical category.

2.   His defense also ranked first in the NFL last season with the fewest yards yielded.

3.   His current defense ranks first in the NFL in fewest points, and second in fewest yards allowed.

4.   RB Jerome Bettis has played well but is hardly having his best year, and the defense ranks in the middle of the pack.

5.   The Giants defense ranked fifth in both categories, in yardage and points yielded.

6.   The pass defense ranked dead last in the NFL.

7.   The Wildcat defense ranked second in the country last season, but it has some major holes to fill.

8.   Their pass defense ranks third in the AFC.

9.   The Fighting Illini, whose defense ranked ninth overall in the nation, handed East Carolina its first shutout of the season.

10.   The Saints defense has ranked at or near the top of the league overall since the beginning of the season.