Stuck in the middle of a season filled with defensive miscues and injury concerns, the last thing the Giants need right now is a fight between the coaching staff and the players.

Unfortunately, that’s exactly what may happen, after defensive end Justin Tuck got wind of comments made by defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan that basically insinuated that New York’s defensive unit has played soft as of late.

New York Daily News reporter Ohm Youngmisuk recently spoke with Tuck, and came away with an earful on the subject. Tuck took offense to the remarks, claiming the Giants defense has been physical all season long, and that opposing offenses would agree.

“I disagree. Everybody has an opinion. Maybe I’m completely wrong by saying I disagree. But in my opinion I don’t think that is the case. Go ask the O-lines and the offensive tackles or the guards that I play against. I don’t mean to make this an individual thing. I don’t think (Sheridan) said I was unphysical but when you talk about the team, I am part of the team, so I take it personally. So go ask some of the people I play against and ask the how physical I am. If they come back and tell you I’m not, then maybe I’m just a guy that blows smoke all day because I don’t know about myself.”

– New York defensive end Justin Tuck

While Tuck tried to avoid escalating things by claiming he’s not upset with Sheridan personally, it has to sting the pride of the Giants defenders that their own coach would throw them under the bus in a possible effort to save his own skin. Sheridan has been under intense fire throughout most of the season for his unit’s poor play, and could be relieved of his duties this off-season.

Then again, this may be just the kick in the ass that the Giants need to get back on track defensively this week against their archrivals from Dallas. If New York is to make a late season push for the playoffs, as everyone on the team seems to think, they’re going to have to play much better down the stretch and while they certainly have the talent to do so, the Giants defense may have difficulties containing the opposing offense if they can’t step up their physicality, especially in the run game.