Giants vs. Colts: 3 things to watch

The Giants host the AFC South-leading Colts tonight in hope of ending their two-game skid.

The Colts are coming off one of the most embarrassing efforts in the franchise’s history when they allowed Ben Roethlisberger to pass for 522 yards in a 51-34 loss to the Steelers.

Metro takes a look at three storylines to watch (8:15 p.m., ESPN).

1. Luck on their side

Andrew Luck didn’t play his sharpest game last week (26-of-45 with two interceptions and sacked twice), as his team was thumped in Pittsburgh.

But he still managed to throw for 400 yards and three touchdowns. Luck is already a premier quarterback and an MVP candidate in only his third season in the NFL.

The Giants’ banged-up secondary, including a questionable Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, could be in trouble.

2. Targeting weakness

Luck’s counterpart, Eli Manning, is hoping to have even half the success Roethlisberger had last week when he went 40-of-49 with six touchdowns.

Manning is coming off his bye and undoubtedly scoured the game film of the Colts’ beleaguered secondary. It’ll be interesting to see how a Victor Cruz-less receiving corps can take advantage of Indianapolis’ aggressive secondary, which has shown they can be susceptible to double moves and play action. Rookie Odell Beckham Jr. will be the name to watch if he can shake free of the Colts’ cornerbacks. Rueben Randle will likely see man-to-man coverage with big-time free agent signing Vontae Davis, while Beckham will go up against journeyman Darius Butler.

3. Time to step up, rookie

The Giants’ running game will be key in setting up the play-action passing game. Whether rookie Andre Williams can hold up his end remains to be seen.

Williams should get plenty of touches coming off an ineffective game in Dallas (18 carries for 51 yards) with starter Rashad Jennings (MCL sprain) ruled out for the game.

J ourneyman Peyton Hillis will give Williams the occasional breather, but the bulk of the load will fall on the shoulders of the former Boston College workhorse.

Follow Giants beat writer Tony Williams on Twitter @TBone8.