Bears' Fangio credits Eli Manning for Giants' success

The Giants have fashioned a 6-3 record despite what is one of the NFL's worst rushing attacks.

A lot of the credit, according the Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, goes to quarterback Eli Manning, even though his 87.6 passer rating ranks 22nd in the league. But that doesn't take into consideration Manning's ability to operate the Giants' no-huddle offense from the line of scrimmage.

"He's obviously running their show," Fangio said. "And he's capable of making all the throws. His pocket presence is underrated. He's only been sacked (13) times this year. His instincts are pretty high. And then you factor in his throwing ability and his accuracy.

"He really makes some nice throws at times - putting balls right on the money. And he's a tough guy, too. He'll hang in there. Trying to use the analogy to baseball, he's not just throwing the ball out there; he's a pitcher."

Outside linebacker Pernell McPhee says the Bears can't allow Manning to get comfortable in the pocket, but the Giants are No. 4 in avoiding sacks.

"Two-time world champ, makes great decisions with the ball," McPhee said. "If he gets going, he'll light us up, he'll light anybody up."

Ground and pound:

In four of his six starts, rookie Jordan Howard has rushed for at least 100 yards. But on Sunday he'll face a Giants defense that is seventh in rushing yards allowed and fifth in yards per rush allowed.

Howard will be without two of the offensive linemen who have helped the Bears rise to No. 7 in yards per rush. Right guard Kyle Long is on injured reserve with an ankle injury, and right tackle Bobby Massie remains in the concussion protocol.

But the 6-foot, 222-pound fifth-round pick rushed for a career-high 153 yards against the Vikings, even with Long and left guard Josh Sitton sidelined. At the time, Minnesota's defense was No. 3 against the run.

"Obviously Jordan has done a good job," coach John Fox said. "He's a big back. He does carry his pads well. He's really good after contact. He's got good vision. But you still have to block for him. That's going to be key.

"These guys are pretty solid up front. They've been pretty good against the run, but so had Minnesota, (so) it's more about us executing."

Down memory lane:

John Fox was the New York Giants' defensive coordinator for five years (1997-2001) before he was hired for his first head-coaching job with the Carolina Panthers in 2002.

So he said going back to MetLife Stadium at the Meadowlands holds some significance.

"(It does) any time you go back to a former employer," Fox said. "You build relationships in this league, and from ownership on down, there's a lot of people I'm pretty close to in that organization. But it's still a game you're trying to win. It's only fun when you win."

Coming and going:

Defensive lineman Jimmy Staten was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster, and cornerback De'Vante Bausby was waived.

Defensive lineman Mitch Unrein (back), offensive tackle Bobby Massie (concussion) and cornerback Deiondre' Hall (ankle) did not travel with the team and were downgraded from doubtful to out.

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