New York Looks To Avoid A 0-3 Start As They Visit Philadelphia

Today New York will look to avoid a 0-3 start as they visit Lincoln Financial Field as they take on Carson Wentz and Philadelphia. 

Those words, or some slight variation of them, have constituted the most-frequently uttered phrase in the Giants’ locker room this week. The 0-2 Giants will play the 1-1 Philadelphia Eagles Sunday in Lincoln Financial Field, knowing they will face an uphill fight to make the playoffs if they started the season with three consecutive losses. Thus the questions about whether the Giants must win this game. And the Giants’ consistently answering that this is as important as any other game, and the season won‘t end if they lose.

“They’re all must-win games,” center Weston Richburg said. “The first game in Dallas was a must win. To get where we want to go, we want to win every single game.” "according to http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Is-Sundays-game-a-must-win-for-Big-Blue/d4bae712-bb25-49be-9afa-ebaeb8670435

“It’s the same thing every week,” defensive tackle Damon Harrison said. “We’re professionals. We know we have a job to do. We go out there and do it, no matter what, wins or losses. The next game has to be played. You can’t sit there and think about anything in the past and you can’t think about the future. You just have to be in the moment.” "according to http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Is-Sundays-game-a-must-win-for-Big-Blue/d4bae712-bb25-49be-9afa-ebaeb8670435

Of course, someone is always going to deviate from the company line. And it probably can’t hurt to have one of your best players bring a heightened sense of urgency to the game. "according to http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Is-Sundays-game-a-must-win-for-Big-Blue/d4bae712-bb25-49be-9afa-ebaeb8670435

“Honestly, it’s a must-win game,” defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul said. “We know we need this game. It’s a division game. I don’t see us going 0-3. We’ve started 0-6 before (in 2013). This team – we have good talent on this team. We just all need to come together.”"according to http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Is-Sundays-game-a-must-win-for-Big-Blue/d4bae712-bb25-49be-9afa-ebaeb8670435

Last week, the Giants celebrated the 10th anniversary of the franchise’s victory against New England in Super Bowl XLVII. As the current players well know, the 2007 Giants started 0-2 before winning their next six games and eventually bringing home the Lombardi Trophy. "according to http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Is-Sundays-game-a-must-win-for-Big-Blue/d4bae712-bb25-49be-9afa-ebaeb8670435

“I don’t really see any panic,” wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. said. “There is no fear in my heart about being 0-2. It’s just a time to dig deep, make plays when you need to make them, turn things around. You can go 0-5, win the next 11 and you never know. I think the Giants won a Super Bowl when they were 9-7 here (they did, in 2011), something like that. So, I don’t really count us out.” "according to http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Is-Sundays-game-a-must-win-for-Big-Blue/d4bae712-bb25-49be-9afa-ebaeb8670435

Nor does anyone else on the team. But the Giants must accomplish two goals if they are to enjoy their first victory of the season. They have to play better on offense and improve their performance in Philadelphia. Those objectives are not mutually exclusive. The Giants have scored just two touchdowns in their last four games in Philly. They have lost three in a row and four of their last five in the Linc, where the Eagles will play for the first time this season. "according to http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Is-Sundays-game-a-must-win-for-Big-Blue/d4bae712-bb25-49be-9afa-ebaeb8670435

“I was thinking about it the other day - every time I’ve gone to Philly, we’ve lost,” Beckham said. “They beat us at home, they just for some reason they’ve had our number. But this is our opportunity for a new year and to turn things around. This is a big game for us. We need a win, and what better team to beat than Philly?”"according to http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Is-Sundays-game-a-must-win-for-Big-Blue/d4bae712-bb25-49be-9afa-ebaeb8670435

“They’ve gotten up on us,” offensive lineman Justin Pugh said. “We turn the ball over down there early, and you go anywhere with a crowd in a ruthless environment and you get down early, it’s not a great recipe for success. I think that’s what it’s been. So we got to go out there and we got to play tough, we got to play physical, and we got to take it to them.” "according to http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Is-Sundays-game-a-must-win-for-Big-Blue/d4bae712-bb25-49be-9afa-ebaeb8670435

The offense wasn’t able to do that in the season-opening losses to Dallas and Detroit. The Giants have scored just one touchdown, they’re last in the NFL in rushing yards (48.5 a game) and have converted only 33% of their third-down opportunities (eight of 24). Eli Manning and Philadelphia’s Carson Wentz have each been sacked a NFC-high eight times. "according to http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Is-Sundays-game-a-must-win-for-Big-Blue/d4bae712-bb25-49be-9afa-ebaeb8670435

“I think you’ve just got to believe that going through tough times will make you stronger, will make you stronger as a team,” Manning said. “But you’ve got to get through them. That’s kind of the situation we’re in. There’s always going to be ups and downs of a season, hopefully, we’ve kind of hit the rough patch and we’ll work ourselves out of it. But it’s just going to come through our hard work, our dedication, our commitment to fix things.” "according to http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Is-Sundays-game-a-must-win-for-Big-Blue/d4bae712-bb25-49be-9afa-ebaeb8670435

Well said, but what about the original question – is this a must-win game? "according to http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Is-Sundays-game-a-must-win-for-Big-Blue/d4bae712-bb25-49be-9afa-ebaeb8670435

“I think you look at all games as must-win,” Manning said. “Obviously, it’s an important game in the situation, the little hole we’ve dug ourselves in. But, you can’t put more pressure on yourself than what’s needed. We’ve got to go out there, play hard on offense, make more plays and play better, score more points.” "according to http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Is-Sundays-game-a-must-win-for-Big-Blue/d4bae712-bb25-49be-9afa-ebaeb8670435

“Each week is a new challenge,” coach Ben McAdoo said. “A lot of people are counting us out, and so be it. We hold ourselves to a high standard in the building. We have a great challenge this week and we’re looking forward to it.” "according to http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Is-Sundays-game-a-must-win-for-Big-Blue/d4bae712-bb25-49be-9afa-ebaeb8670435

As for New York's last game, where they lost their home opener to Detroit,

They have played two games already this season and Eli Manning and New York have zero wins and two losses after their loss to Matthew Stafford and Detroit Monday in their home opener at Metlife Stadium. 

 On a night when the Giants honored their 2007 Super Bowl XLII championship team, the current squad matched that team’s start by falling to 0-2. "according to http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Offense-cant-find-rhythm-in-loss-to-Lions/07356b33-98e8-4e7d-a171-03fdf3a4622b

Playing in MetLife Stadium for the first time this season, the Giants fell to the Detroit Lions, 24-10. The Giants have started a season with two losses for the fourth time in five years. "according to http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Offense-cant-find-rhythm-in-loss-to-Lions/07356b33-98e8-4e7d-a171-03fdf3a4622b

“We talk about playing complete, complementary football,” coach Ben McAdoo said. “By no stretch of the imagination did we get that done tonight. We’ve got to do better. We dug ourselves into a hole. No one feels sorry for us. We’ve got to find a way to get better and get better in a hurry.” "according to http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Offense-cant-find-rhythm-in-loss-to-Lions/07356b33-98e8-4e7d-a171-03fdf3a4622b

Perhaps this team can take solace in the fact that their start is remarkably similar to that of the titlists who played a decade ago. Both teams started with a loss in Dallas. Both came home to lose to an NFC North team (in 2007, it was Green Bay). And each faced another division road game in Week 3; 10 years ago in Washington, a goal-line stand clinched the Giants’ first victory. On Sunday, McAdoo’s team will be in Philadelphia. "according to http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Offense-cant-find-rhythm-in-loss-to-Lions/07356b33-98e8-4e7d-a171-03fdf3a4622b

But one significant difference exists between the two teams. The 2007 Giants struggled early on defense, allowing a NFL-high 80 points in the first two games. The present Giants are solid defensively but haven’t produced on offense. They have scored just 13 points, the league’s third-lowest total and the Giants’ lowest two-game start since 1947 (seven points). The Giants have not scored at least 20 points in eight consecutive games. "according to http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Offense-cant-find-rhythm-in-loss-to-Lions/07356b33-98e8-4e7d-a171-03fdf3a4622b

Not even the return of Odell Beckham, Jr. could ignite the offense. Beckham did not play against the Cowboys because of the sprained ankle he suffered last month in Cleveland. He didn’t start against Detroit and caught four passes for 36 yards. Beckham also had a crucial drop on a fourth down in the final quarter. "according to http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Offense-cant-find-rhythm-in-loss-to-Lions/07356b33-98e8-4e7d-a171-03fdf3a4622b
 
“We’ve got to score more,” quarterback Eli Manning said. “Not going in the right direction enough, going backwards, not converting on third downs enough. Got down there close to the one-yard line and then get a penalty and get a delay of game at the end. So, just not executing enough on third downs in the green zone, some critical moments.” "according to http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Offense-cant-find-rhythm-in-loss-to-Lions/07356b33-98e8-4e7d-a171-03fdf3a4622b

The penalty Manning referred to was one example of an offense that must reverse course. Trailing 17-7 with 5:20 remaining in the third quarter, McAdoo decided to try for a touchdown on fourth-and-goal from the two. But a delay of game infraction sent the Giants back five yards, and Aldrick Rosas came on to kick a 25-yard field goal. "according to http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Offense-cant-find-rhythm-in-loss-to-Lions/07356b33-98e8-4e7d-a171-03fdf3a4622b

McAdoo didn’t soften the blow when asked about the penalty. "according to http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Offense-cant-find-rhythm-in-loss-to-Lions/07356b33-98e8-4e7d-a171-03fdf3a4622b

“Sloppy quarterback play,” he said. “Quarterback and the center need to be on the same page there. We’ve got to get the ball snapped.” "according to http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Offense-cant-find-rhythm-in-loss-to-Lions/07356b33-98e8-4e7d-a171-03fdf3a4622b

“Anytime there’s fourth down right there, you know they’ve got to make a decision on what’s going on,” Manning said. “But we had plenty of time. I saw the clock, knew we were rushing. I’ve got to take a timeout there or get the ball snapped and let’s go.” "according to http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Offense-cant-find-rhythm-in-loss-to-Lions/07356b33-98e8-4e7d-a171-03fdf3a4622b

The penalty was one of many mistakes and shortcomings. A Manning pass to Evan Engram was intercepted by Tahir Whitehead immediately after Devon Kennard had recovered a fumble. The Lions’ takeaway set up Matthew Stafford’s second touchdown pass, a seven-yarder to Eric Ebron. "according to http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Offense-cant-find-rhythm-in-loss-to-Lions/07356b33-98e8-4e7d-a171-03fdf3a4622b

“Can’t afford it,” McAdoo said. “The ball was a little behind Evan. We’ve got to look at it and I’ve got to put it in front of him and give him a chance to run, or move on to my next progression.” "according to http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Offense-cant-find-rhythm-in-loss-to-Lions/07356b33-98e8-4e7d-a171-03fdf3a4622b
 
The offensive line allowed five sacks and helped the backs generate just 62 rushing yards. Starting running back Paul Perkins ran for 10 yards on seven carries. Wide receiver Brandon Marshall had just one catch for the second week in a row. "according to http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Offense-cant-find-rhythm-in-loss-to-Lions/07356b33-98e8-4e7d-a171-03fdf3a4622b

Two key fourth-quarter sequences ended any chance the Giants had to win the game. Early in the quarter, Marshall dropped a pass that would have given the Giants a first down. Two plays later, Jamal Agnew returned Brad Wing’s punt 88 yards for a touchdown as at least four Giants missed tackle opportunities. "according to http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Offense-cant-find-rhythm-in-loss-to-Lions/07356b33-98e8-4e7d-a171-03fdf3a4622b

“That was the moment,” Marshall said. “That was the biggest play of the game. I let my team down, I got an opportunity to make a big play and change the momentum and I lost it.” "according to http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Offense-cant-find-rhythm-in-loss-to-Lions/07356b33-98e8-4e7d-a171-03fdf3a4622b

Later in the quarter, the Giants faced a fourth-and-three at their own 48. Manning threw a pass to Shane Vereen, who was given the first down – until Detroit coach Jim Caldwell challenged the ruling. After review, the ball was moved back, the gain was reduced to two yards, and the Giants turned the ball over on downs. "according to tohttp://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Offense-cant-find-rhythm-in-loss-to-Lions/07356b33-98e8-4e7d-a171-03fdf3a4622b

“I was hoping he had the depth, the (defender) made a good play,” Manning said. “They had a good call for the play. I thought it would be enough for the first and obviously, the guy made a good tackle, and we weren’t able to get it.” "according to http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Offense-cant-find-rhythm-in-loss-to-Lions/07356b33-98e8-4e7d-a171-03fdf3a4622b

The Giants still had a chance to pull the game out when they got the ball at their own nine with 7:48 left. They moved to the Lions’ 29, but Beckham couldn’t secure Manning’s pass, all but ending the game. “I dropped the ball,” Beckham said. "according to http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Offense-cant-find-rhythm-in-loss-to-Lions/07356b33-98e8-4e7d-a171-03fdf3a4622b

Now the Giants will look to win their first game in Philadelphia. "according to http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Offense-cant-find-rhythm-in-loss-to-Lions/07356b33-98e8-4e7d-a171-03fdf3a4622b

“I just think we have to get it together,” Beckham said. “Stay positive. Stay with each other and just get better each and every day. We are only going to go where we take it. So, it’s up to us, it’s in our hands.”

“I’ve said from the beginning of the season, this is the most talented team we’ve had on paper,” said Justin Pugh, who switched from left guard to right tackle when Bobby Hart aggravated his ankle injury. “But you can’t go out there and just win on paper. We’re not comparing teams in fantasy football. So, we’ve got to go out there and we’ve got to do it.” "according to http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Offense-cant-find-rhythm-in-loss-to-Lions/07356b33-98e8-4e7d-a171-03fdf3a4622b

The sooner, the better. "according to http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Offense-cant-find-rhythm-in-loss-to-Lions/07356b33-98e8-4e7d-a171-03fdf3a4622b

As for Philadelphia they have a record of 1-1 and are also coming off a loss as they got beat by Kansas City a week ago.

 It is already a theme two weeks into the season: The Eagles need help in the running game. They haven’t had much of one in two games this season, got almost nothing going on Sunday in a 27-20 loss to Kansas City, and the lack of a ground game is dragging down the entire offense. "according to http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/dave-spadaro/article-1/No-Rhythm-No-Rhyme-For-Eagles-Offense/3daa5095-98af-42ea-94e1-b41d7f406ed2

There is no rhythm in this offense through two games. The Eagles are relying on quarterback Carson Wentzto carry the load and he just wasn’t able to do it against a very good Chiefs defense. Wentz completed 25-of-46 passes for 333 yards and two touchdowns but also had three passes deflected at the line of scrimmage and the interception he threw in the fourth quarter trying to get a pass to Darren Sproles on a screenplay was converted into a Chiefs touchdown as Kansas City took the lead for good. "according to http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/dave-spadaro/article-1/No-Rhythm-No-Rhyme-For-Eagles-Offense/3daa5095-98af-42ea-94e1-b41d7f406ed2

Through two games, the Eagles haven’t come to any kind of rotation in the backfield. LeGarrette Blount, signed in the offseason, carried 14 times for 46 yards at Washington, and then slid to the back of the three-man running back committee on Sunday with zero touches in the running game and one reception. Darren Sproles was the main factor in the backfield, and he had 10 carries for 48 yards. "according to http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/dave-spadaro/article-1/No-Rhythm-No-Rhyme-For-Eagles-Offense/3daa5095-98af-42ea-94e1-b41d7f406ed2

The running backs contributed 52 ground yards at Washington and only 52 on Sunday. "according to http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/dave-spadaro/article-1/No-Rhythm-No-Rhyme-For-Eagles-Offense/3daa5095-98af-42ea-94e1-b41d7f406ed2

“It’s just how the game went,” Blount said, surrounded by reporters in the locker room after the loss. “That wasn’t the game plan going in, but the game wasn’t going the way we wanted it to, so we had to make some changes. "according to http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/dave-spadaro/article-1/No-Rhythm-No-Rhyme-For-Eagles-Offense/3daa5095-98af-42ea-94e1-b41d7f406ed2

“We’ve just got to ride the wave, man. When you’re number’s called, your number’s called.” "according to http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/dave-spadaro/article-1/No-Rhythm-No-Rhyme-For-Eagles-Offense/3daa5095-98af-42ea-94e1-b41d7f406ed2

So without a running game to set anything up, the Eagles are throwing the ball more than they want. And Wentz is under pressure far more than desired. He was sacked six times on Sunday and hit another handful of times. Wentz has done a magnificent job of evading pressure, but the point is that there is too much of it and Wentz needs a pocket.

The Eagles weren’t able to take advantage of the absence of Kansas City safety Eric Berry. The offensive line did not play with consistency and left guard Isaac Seumalo was critical of himself after the game. "according to http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/dave-spadaro/article-1/No-Rhythm-No-Rhyme-For-Eagles-Offense/3daa5095-98af-42ea-94e1-b41d7f406ed2

Kansas City was able to generate pressure with its base pass rush and then mixed in blitzes that were effective. "according to http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/dave-spadaro/article-1/No-Rhythm-No-Rhyme-For-Eagles-Offense/3daa5095-98af-42ea-94e1-b41d7f406ed2

“Give credit to them, but I know I need to be better all the way around,” Seumalo said. “I've got to play better, no doubt about it. That’s kind of where I started. That’s all I focused on.” "according to http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/dave-spadaro/article-1/No-Rhythm-No-Rhyme-For-Eagles-Offense/3daa5095-98af-42ea-94e1-b41d7f406ed2

The Eagles tried to counter with some screens and a short-passing game, but neither had much impact. The screen game has not been nearly as productive as the team wants or needs. The down-the-field passing game was non-existent on Sunday, save for a pass that deflected off cornerback Terrance Mitchell into the hands of tight end Zach Ertz, who gained 53 yards on a catch-and-run. "according to http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/dave-spadaro/article-1/No-Rhythm-No-Rhyme-For-Eagles-Offense/3daa5095-98af-42ea-94e1-b41d7f406ed2

Where is the offense? What can the Eagles do to get things going, especially with a very good Giants defense coming to town on Sunday followed by a trip to Los Angeles to play the Chargers. "according to http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/dave-spadaro/article-1/No-Rhythm-No-Rhyme-For-Eagles-Offense/3daa5095-98af-42ea-94e1-b41d7f406ed2

The offense needs to step up.  "according to http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/dave-spadaro/article-1/No-Rhythm-No-Rhyme-For-Eagles-Offense/3daa5095-98af-42ea-94e1-b41d7f406ed2

“Pretty much they played man on a man, so it’s hard to say what else happened,” right tackle Lane Johnson said. “It’s tough. We needed to run the ball better, execute better. We could have won this game. The Chiefs are a good football team, but we were right there with them. We’ve got to get our offense functioning on all cylinders. "according to http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/dave-spadaro/article-1/No-Rhythm-No-Rhyme-For-Eagles-Offense/3daa5095-98af-42ea-94e1-b41d7f406ed2

“We’re not proud of this. But we’re going to get it fixed. We have the right guys out there, good guys. We just aren’t executing like we know we can. To win games in this league you have to be able to run the ball and we’re not doing it well enough right now.” "according to http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/dave-spadaro/article-1/No-Rhythm-No-Rhyme-For-Eagles-Offense/3daa5095-98af-42ea-94e1-b41d7f406ed2

The Eagles face an interesting early-season moment for an offense that seemingly added big-time playmakers in the offseason to get over the hump. Wide receivers Alshon Jeffery, who had seven catches for 92 yards and a score, and Torrey Smith, who had four catches and 66 yards and nearly had a back-shoulder catch for a touchdown on the Eagles’ first offensive possession, have been fine. Nelson Agholor has been good in the slot. Mack Hollins showed up on Sunday with three catches for 32 yards. The numbers say the Eagles are doing pretty well on offense. Geez, they gained 406 total net yards and converted 8-of-15 third downs on Sunday. So there were some good things, Wentz once again among them. "according to http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/dave-spadaro/article-1/No-Rhythm-No-Rhyme-For-Eagles-Offense/3daa5095-98af-42ea-94e1-b41d7f406ed2

And then you scan down the statistics sheet and pause at the running game: 13 carries and 52 yards for Sproles and Wendell Smallwood. No touches for Blount. Wentz scrambled because he had to and gained 55 yards on four rushes. "according to http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/dave-spadaro/article-1/No-Rhythm-No-Rhyme-For-Eagles-Offense/3daa5095-98af-42ea-94e1-b41d7f406ed2

An offensive line with high expectations has not yet clicked, and the offense is suffering for it both in the run game and in the screen game, which has so much potential with Sproles in the open field. "according to http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/dave-spadaro/article-1/No-Rhythm-No-Rhyme-For-Eagles-Offense/3daa5095-98af-42ea-94e1-b41d7f406ed2

The offense needs some tweaking, then. A little early-season fine tuning. It’s a big week ahead for the offense, for the Eagles. They had the Chiefs all tied up 13-13 early in the fourth quarter. Unlike the week before, when Philadelphia outscored Washington 11-0 to win the final stanza, the Eagles went the other way this time and Kansas City took over the game. "according to http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/dave-spadaro/article-1/No-Rhythm-No-Rhyme-For-Eagles-Offense/3daa5095-98af-42ea-94e1-b41d7f406ed2

These are the kinds of games the Eagles lost last year – on the road in one-score outcomes. These are the kinds of games the Eagles need to learn to win on a consistent basis to take the next step forward as a team. "according to http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/dave-spadaro/article-1/No-Rhythm-No-Rhyme-For-Eagles-Offense/3daa5095-98af-42ea-94e1-b41d7f406ed2

Kick-off is set for 1:00 pm. The game will be televised on Fox. "according to http://www.giants.com/games-and-schedules/schedule.html