EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – A reporter pointed out that the Giants’ defense has allowed quick, relatively easy touchdowns on the opening drives of the last two games. Defensive end Justin Tuck corrected him.

“Three,” he said, noting the Vikings’ quick score in their 41-17 rout of the Giants.

“Three games in a row. You never want to start a game like that.”

But if the defense can finish the way it has the last two weeks, the Giants will take a stumble out of the gate.

The Eagles marched down the field on their first drive Sunday, getting to the end zone in just 3:13 and covering 68 yards in only six plays.

A week before that, the Bears took a 7-0 lead 5:02 into the game on a nine-play, 79-yard drive that lasted 3:08 before the Giants rallied for a 21-16 victory.

And a week before that, the Vikings scored on a 60-yard pass on the second play of the game.

But coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has shown an ability to adjust in-game.

The Bears had only three field goals after their early touchdown, and the Eagles managed only two field goals after their quick score in the Giants’ 16-13 victory.

On Sunday, the defense clamped down to allow the Giants back into the game. Brian Westbrook had 48 of the 68 yards on that opening drive and 154 total yards in the game –including 116 rushing yards, a season high against the Giants this year.

But Westbrook didn’t have an impact again until late in the game.

The Eagles’ deep passing game was completely neutralized by the Giants’ blitzes and solid coverage by a host of inexperienced secondary players, including rookie safeties Craig Dahl and Michael Johnson and cornerbacks Aaron Ross and Kevin Dockery.

“Once we got together on the sideline and talked it through and the players realized just exactly how we were being attacked, I think we got ourselves in a frame of mind or a position where we went back on the field with a little bit more resolve,” coach Tom Coughlin said. “Steve and the defensive staff have done a very good job of fine-tuning the exact areas that need to be concentrated on, whether it is going into the game with the plan or whether it is in the game.”

The adjustments go for everyone, from the veterans on down. Johnson, making his third start, got caught out of position when Donovan McNabb dumped a pass for Westbrook and the running back coasted into the end zone for an 18-yard TD, but the rookie didn’t get beaten again. His best play was staying deep to bat away a pass thrown by wide receiver Greg Lewis intended for L.J. Smith on a reverse option.

Even as the Giants — especially those players on offense who stumbled Sunday — complimented the defense’s effort, none of the defensive leaders were happy about the opponents’ quick scores. “We can’t keep giving leads away like that,” Sam Madison said. “Good teams will keep us down.”

Even in the Vikings game, though, the defense improved; 28 of the 41 points were the result of three interceptions returned for touchdowns and a fourth INT that was returned to the Giants’ 8. Since allowing 80 points in the first two games of the season, Spagnuolo’s crew has allowed one touchdown or fewer in eight of 11 games. No coincidence, then, that the Giants are 9-2 in their last 11.

“It’s definitely not something we should be proud of,” Tuck said, “but you have to like the way we respond. I’d take this any day if we can give up a quick touchdown but keep teams out of the end zone and keep winning games.”