Giants defense has improved since Jon Beason took over as MLB 2 games ago

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) breaks a tackle by New York Giants' Jon Beason (52) as Jerome Felton (42) trails the play during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun) (The Associated Press)

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) stiff-arms New York Giants' Jon Beason (52) during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun) (The Associated Press)

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Getting middle linebacker Jon Beason in a trade with a Carolina Panthers earlier this month has been a steal for the New York Giants.

The seven-year veteran has led the Giants (1-6) in the tackles in his two starts, and he has helped the defense turn things around.

In the past six quarters against the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings, the defense has given up three points. The Vikings' touchdown Monday night came on a punt return.

Beason, acquired for a late-round draft pick in 2014, was a question mark coming here. He played in five games in 2011 and '12 because of injuries and he had lost his starting job earlier this season. Many speculated he had lost a step.

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