Keys to Victory: How the Giants can start 2-0

2022-09-17 08:56:44 By : Mr. Jenson Yang

The NFL is all about how you finish … but it doesn't hurt to start fast.

The New York Giants won their season opener for the first time in six years and hope to start 2-0 for the first since that same 2016 season, which led to their most recent playoff berth. According to NFL Research, teams that start 2-0 have made the playoffs 63.0 percent of the time since 1990. That percentage drops to 42.0 for 1-1 teams and 11.3 for 0-2 starts. The Carolina Panthers (0-1) lost their opener to the Cleveland Browns on a late field goal.

"It's a big win for us, but it's one game," quarterback Daniel Jones said of the 21-20 comeback victory over the host Tennessee Titans. "It's about what we do now. I think that's been the approach as soon as we finished up the tape on Monday. We're now on to Carolina, and that's what we focus on. It's just one game. We haven't done anything yet."

Here are the keys to making it "just" two wins to start the season:

The Giants played without their top two edge defenders in Week 1, but Jihad Ward and Oshane Ximines more than held their own in place of Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari. Ward had six tackles, but his real impact won't be found in a box score. The off-season addition set the edge all day in Nashville, helping to limit Derrick Henry to 3.9 yards per carry. Ward was named the team's defensive player of the week for his effort.

"And that was unanimous," defensive coordinator Wink Martindale said. "So, he's a physical, tough guy that is the character of what you're looking for as a defensive player. He sets the pace, especially in the run game on setting the edges. He took it personal that game, and that's what has made him who he is. And wherever I'm at, I hope I have Jihad Ward with me. Ox (Ximines), as I call him, has done nothing but worked hard and kept earning trust and kept earning more and more playing time throughout the spring all the way through training camp and the preseason. And I think he did a great job for us in there. He's making plays and doing things the right way, and that's why he's where he's at."

Now the Giants, who could get at least Thibodeaux back for Sunday, are seelomg a repeat performance against Christian McCaffrey, a different type of running back but just as dangerous as Henry.

"I think the keys that we talked about prior to the Tennessee game was we set edges and we play with knockback up front, and we got everybody to the ball," Martindale said. "And it's the same thing playing Christian McCaffery. It's crazy how this league is right now, and I know how you fantasy football players love it. But my goodness, I compared Derrick Henry to Jim Brown. I knew exactly what I was doing. This guy's Barry Sanders. I mean, it's unbelievable; and I know I'm going all old school, but I'm old. So, that's where I'm at with it. This guy's unbelievable."

Saquon Barkley, who was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week after leading all NFL players with 164 rushing yards and 194 yards from scrimmage, faced a light box (six or fewer defenders) on 72.2 pct of rushes against the Titans. That was the highest rate in any game in his career, according to Next Gen Stats, as Barkley averaged 11.5 yards per rush vs. a light box.

Meanwhile, the Panthers defense lined up with six or fewer defenders in the box on just 20.5 percent of run plays, the third-lowest rate of any team in Week 1. If that changes and they stack the box in Week 2, the Giants have ways to counter.

"There's definitely things that you can do within the game plan," Kafka said. "Whether it's personnel-based, formation-based, motion-based. There are definitely some things that you look at to try and get those opportunities. … I think you plan for it. I don't know exactly what they are going to do. I think you plan for those things, and you've got to have answers within the scheme and within the game plan."

Kafka added, "I think any time you can distort the box whether it's creating a numbers count, like we talked about earlier, getting guys in different spots, influencing second level and third level defenders - that helps whether it's pass or run. It can help whatever the scheme you want to run. I think it helps also with the o-line getting certain angles on blocks. I think it can help in the pass game where you are creating certain types of leverages. There's definitely a lot of benefits to it."

It's nothing they haven't already heard, but Jones and Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield have accounted for the third- and second-most turnovers in the NFL since 2019, respectively. Jones had two in Week 1 – an early strip-sack and a costly interception in the red zone in the fourth quarter. The latter led to a conversation on the sideline between head coach and quarterback, who then orchestrated a 12-play, 73-yard drive (plus a successful two-point conversion) to win the game.

"I think he was just communicating the costly mistake," Jones said. "We can't afford to do it. What goes on goes on in a game. There's a lot of communication back and forth, so I understood it. Got to be able to move on."

"I think it was what you saw," offensive coordinator and play-caller Mike Kafka said. "He lit a fire under Daniel and then we came back in the second half, put together a great 12-play drive to go down and win it. Daniel had a lot to do with that drive. I think it was effective in that respect."

Coaches and players have talked this week about building a winning culture, especially at home. To that end, Martindale, who has been a part of some elite defenses, had a directive for fans on Sunday:

"I've only lived here for a short period of time, but I know New Yorkers are loud. We need to be loud in that stadium. They have to go on silent count. If you want to be part of changing this culture here with the Giants, be loud and have that place rocking where people don't want to come to our stadium. We'll take care of the rest, and we'll give you something to be loud about. But just be loud. I can't wait to see it."

New York Giants vs. Carolina Panthers: How to Watch, Listen & Live Stream Week 2

View rare photos of the history between the New York Giants and Carolina Panthers.

New York Giants' Tiki Barber (21) is tackled by the Caroline Panthers' Chris Gamble (20) and Dan Morgan (55) after a one yard gain in the second quarter of their NFC wild card playoff football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. N.J., Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006. (Julie Jacobson/AP Photos)

New York Giants' Tiki Barber (21) is tackled by the Carolina Panthers' Dan Morgan (55) in the first quarter of their wild card playoff football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006. (/AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)

Carolina Panthers' quarterback Jake Delhomme (17) is sacked by the New York Giants' Michael Strahan (92) for an eight yard loss in the second quarter of their NFC wild card playoff football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. N.J., Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006. (Kathy Willens/AP Photos)

New York Giants' Plaxico Burress (17) catches a touchdown pass as Carolina Panthers' Richard Marshall (31) defends during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

New York Giants' Tiki Barber (21) runs through the line for a short gain during the Giants' 27-13 win over the Carolina Panthers in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. Barber went over 10,000 career yards rushing in the second quarter on the way to his fifth 100-yard game of the season. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)

New York Giants' Gibril Wilson (28) reaches out to intercept a pass intended for Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) as New York Giants' R.W. McQuarters (25) defends during the third quarter of the Giants' 27-13 win in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

New York Giants' R.W. McQuarters (25) knocks a pass away from Carolina Panthers' Drew Carter (18) during the fourth quarter of the Giants' 27-13 win in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

New York Giants' Tiki Barber (21) runs past Carolina Panthers' Na'il Diggs (53) during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Carolina Panthers' Chris Weinke, left, throws a pass under pressure from New York Giants' Osi Umenyiora, right, during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs, center, barrels past Carolina Panthers linebacker Na'il Diggs, left, and Thomas Davis, right, during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (34) gains some of the 82 yards he contributed to the Giants final scoring drive that helped them score the winning touchdown in the Giants 34-28 overtime victory over the Carolina Panthers in their NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Dec. 22, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning fakes a handoff to Madison Hedgecock during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) drives over Carolina Panthers linebacker Na'il Diggs (53) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Giants' Madison Hedgecock (39) blocks on the play. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) breaks across the line as New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) drops back for a pass during the fourth quarter of their NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls a play in the first quarter of the Giants NFL football victory over the Carolina Panthers at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (34) runs for 13 yards past Carolina Panthers safety Chris Harris (43) during a Giants scoring drive in the Giants' 34-28 overtime victory in an NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

New York Giants running back Derrick Ward, left, runs for a 34-yard gain while chased by Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

New York Giants running back Derrick Ward runs for a 51-yard gain while chased by Carolina Panthers' Ken Lucas during overtime of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 34-28. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)

New York Giants running back Derrick Ward runs for a 51-yard gain while chased by Carolina Panthers, from left, Chris Harris, Thomas Davis, Na'il Diggs and Jon Beason (52) in overtime of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 34-28. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)

New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith (12) breaks a tackle from Carolina Panthers' Richard Marshall (31) in the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants go up against the Carolina Panthers during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday December 27th, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)

New York Giants linebacker Michael Boley (52) celebrates a tackle against the Carolina Panthers during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday December 27th, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)

New York Giants defensive lineman Mathias Kiwanuka (94) looks to defend a pass against the Carolina Panthers during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday December 27th, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)

New York Giants defensive lineman Chris Canty (99) applies pressure against the Carolina Panthers during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday December 27th, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)

New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) runs past Carolina Panthers' Richard Marshall (31) in the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass as he is rushed by Carolina Panthers' Charles Johnson (95) in the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

New York Giants cornerback Bruce Johnson (25) defends Carolina Panthers' Muhsin Muhammad (87) in the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a pass as he is defended by Carolina Panthers' Captain Munnerlyn (41) during the second quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Carolina Panthers at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)

New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a third quarter touchdown pass that gives the Giants a 24-16 lead while covered by Carolina Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (41) during the NFL regular season week 1 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, September 12, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 31-18. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)

New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) rushes during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)

New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a third quarter touchdown pass that gives the Giants a 24-16 lead while covered by Carolina Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (41) during the NFL regular season week 1 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, September 12, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 31-18. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)

Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen (02) gets hit by New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72) during the NFL regular season week 1 football game against the New York Giants on Sunday, September 12, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 31-18. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)

New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) rushes during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)

New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a touchdown pass that gives the Giants a 14-9 lead while covered by Carolina Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (41) during the NFL regular season week 1 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, September 12, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 31-18. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)

New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a tip toe sideline pass while covered by Carolina Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (41) during the NFL regular season week 1 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, September 12, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 31-18. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)

Carolina Panthers cornerback Richard Marshall (31) tackles New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. The Giants won the game 31-18. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

Carolina Panthers' Matt Moore (3) is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. The Giants won the game 31-18. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

New York Giants safety Kenny Phillips (21) intercepts a pass to Carolina Panthers' Gary Barnidge (82), over Giants' Jonathan Goff (54) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. The Giants won 31-18. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks over the defense during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)

New York Giants safety Deon Grant (34) intercepts a pass as teammate Kenny Phillips (21) and Carolina Panthers tight end Gary Barnidge (82) look on during an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

The New York Giants and the Carolina Panthers face off at the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) is tackled during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)

Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Moore, right, avoids a sack by New York Giants' Osi Umenyiora during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)

Carolina Panthers' Matt Moore (3) fumbles as he is sacked by New York Giants' Osi Umenyiora during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. Carolina recovered the ball. The Giants won 31-18. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)

New York Giants safety Deon Grant (34) intercepts a pass as teammate Kenny Phillips (21) and Carolina Panthers tight end Gary Barnidge (82) look on during an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

Carolina Panthers' DeAngelo Williams (34) is tackled by New York Giants' Barry Cofield (96) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Moore is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. Moore fumbled, but Carolina recovered. The Giants won 31-18. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)

New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) celebrates with teammate Ahmad Bradshaw as Carolina Panthers' Sherrod Martin (23) walks away during the second quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

New York Giants safety Deon Grant (34) intercepts a pass as teammate Kenny Phillips (21) and Carolina Panthers tight end Gary Barnidge (82) look on during an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

New York Giants wide receiver Martellus Bennett (85) catches a touchdown pass past Carolina Panthers safety Charles Godfrey (30) during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72) sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) during a week 3 Thursday night football game on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)

New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) tries to break a tackle in an NFL game against the Carolina Panthers Thursday, September 20, 2012, in Charlotte, NC. (AP Photo/Margaret Bowles)

New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) during a week 3 Thursday night football game on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)

New York Giants' Andre Brown (35) starts his run as Carolina Panthers' Frank Alexander (90) pushes away from New York Giants' Will Beatty (65) during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. The Giants won 36-7. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

New York Giants cornerback Jayron Hosley (28) intercepts a pass intended for Carolina Panthers wide receiver Brandon LaFell (11) during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

New York Giants linebacker Spencer Paysinger (52) strips Carolina Panther Joe Adams (15) during a week 3 Thursday night football game against the Carolina Panthers on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)

New York Giants' Eli Manning (10) throws a pass against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) tackles Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) during a week 3 Thursday night football game against the Carolina Panthers on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)

New York Giants' Andre Brown (35) runs past Carolina Panthers' Luke Kuechly (59) and Charles Godfrey (30) during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72) during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

New York Giants' Andre Brown (35) gets some help from teammate, Henry Hynoski (45) as he muscles over Carolina Panthers' Chris Gamble (20) and Luke Kuechly (59) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. The Giants won 36-7. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

New York Giants' Eli Manning (10) scrambles for a gain against the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) during a week 3 Thursday night football game on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)

New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) runs after a catch as Carolina Panthers linebackers Jon Beason (52) and James Anderson (50) defend during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

New York Giants defensive back Stevie Brown (27) is tackled by Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) after interception a throw during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. The Giants won 36-7. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

New York Giants' Jay Bromley (96) tackles Carolina Panthers' Fozzy Whittaker (43) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

New York Giants' Kerry Wynn (72), Jasper Brinkley (53) and Cullen Jenkins (99) tackle Carolina Panthers' Mike Tolbert (35) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

Carolina Panthers' Kurt Coleman (20) tackles New York Giants' Andre Williams (44) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

New York Giants' Rashad Jennings (23) breaks a tackle by Carolina Panthers' Kurt Coleman (20) and Josh Norman (24) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) scores a touchdown in front of Carolina Panthers' Roman Harper (41) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

New York Giants' Will Tye (45) scores a touchdown as Carolina Panthers' Thomas Davis (58) tackles him during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

New York Giants' Shane Vereen (34) gets up after being tackled by Carolina Panthers' Roman Harper (41) in the end zone for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) runs for a touchdown as Carolina Panthers' Roman Harper (41) closes in during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) is tackled by Carolina Panthers' Roman Harper (41) as Thomas Davis (58) closes in during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

New York Giants' Eli Manning (10) scrambles as Carolina Panthers' David Mayo (55) closes in during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Jason E. Miczek)

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball against the Carolina Panthers during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (Tom DiPace via AP)

in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) runs for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) runs past Carolina Panthers' Mike Adams (29) in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

New York Giants' Eli Manning (10) looks to pass against the Carolina Panthers in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) runs past Carolina Panthers' Mario Addison (97) in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) runs after a catch against the Carolina Panthers in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

The Carolina Panthers line up against the New York Giants in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Jason E. Miczek)

New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) runs past Carolina Panthers' Jermaine Carter (56) for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) runs past Carolina Panthers' Wes Horton (96) in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) runs for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers' Jermaine Carter (56) in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) is upended by Carolina Panthers' James Bradberry (24) in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) runs against the Carolina Panthers the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates a sack during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey

New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51) during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey

New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51) during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey

New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey

New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) chases Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) during a week 7 football game on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) catches a pass in front of Carolina Panthers' Sean Chandler (34) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

What makes the NFL compelling is that each has to prove itself year in and year out.

The New York Giants (4-12) wrap up the season with a visit from the Washington Football Team (6-10) on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

Sunday will be the fifth meeting between the Giants and Bears in six years.

The Eagles have stayed alive in the playoff hunt by winning four of their past five games. Their only loss in that stretch was to the Giants.

The Giants will try to prevent the Cowboys from clinching the NFC East on Sunday.

Following their loss in Miami, the team flew to Tucson, Ariz. and set up camp at the University of Arizona ahead of Sunday's game in Los Angeles.

Every week is a game of chess in the NFL, but what happens when both sides know each other's moves?

It is only fitting that Michael Strahan, arguably the most persistent tormentor of the Eagles, will have his No. 92 jersey number retired on Sunday.

Tom Brady has a league-high 128.9 passer rating on short passes, and the Giants are tied for the lead in interceptions on such attempts.

The New York Giants will try to enter their bye week on a high note when they host the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

There are plenty of storylines heading into Monday Night Football, but the Giants won't entertain the one that says the Chiefs aren't as good as they are.

© 2022 New York Giants. All Rights Reserved. Do not duplicate in any form without permission.