Now is not the time for Eli Manning to come out of the shadows and save the Giants from making questionable history.
For the second time in the past six seasons, the Giants tied the longest losing streak in Centennial franchise history.
Sunday's game against the Falcons in Atlanta requires a nine-point lead to avoid a 10-game losing streak that would erase the vestiges of futility held by the 1976 and 2019 teams (and the two teams they played against in 2003-2004). It is necessary to win as an underdog.
Perhaps it could serve as a rallying cry for the Giants as they look for something they can use to their advantage.
“I don't think anybody ever wants their name attached to this,” receiver Wan'Dale Robinson told the Post. “I don't think that's the case. [streak] It definitely has to come out. Everyone knows what we're playing here for. But if a guy sees that on social media or something, it's a little bit of an extra chip on his shoulder to be like, “Hey, I'm not going to let that happen.” ”
The Giants were last here on Dec. 15, 2019, when they defeated the Dolphins in a game that is often remembered as Manning's emotional farewell.
Although he ended up serving as backup to then-rookie Daniel Jones for most of his final season, the two-time Super Bowl MVP replaced rival Ryan Fitzpatrick in place of the injured Jones. He raised his career record to .500 (118 wins, 118 losses).
The first seven of these losses were recorded on Jones' books in 2019, just as the first five were recorded in 2024.
Head coach Brian Daboll has played three quarterbacks — Drew Lock, Tommy DeVito and Tim Boyle — in the four games since Jones was cut, but none have imitated Manning. . So an injection of defense, special teams or some mercurial player may be the only ticket. To salvation.
“It's hard to say, but we're not looking at losing 10 in a row,” tight end Daniel Bellinger said. “Obviously, we don't want to be one of those teams. But no matter what the record is, our pride is the same every week. We want to win this week. Now.”
The structure of the nine-game skid spanned 73 days, two continents, a -105 point differential, a -6 turnover differential, nine players placed on injured reserve and others who could still be shut down. , which includes 12 players taking part in the match. Two planes flew over the stadium demanding major changes from the owners and the current 53-man roster, which was not part of the Giants' last win.
“At the end of the day, we need a win,” defensive coordinator Shane Bowen said. “Find out what you have to do to win the game, no matter the situation. It's like, 'Let's use all the time we have now to get ready and do our best for Sunday.' This is a message. ”
The longest losing streak in NFL history belonged to the 1976-77 expansion Buccaneers (26 straight losses), and the longest losing streak in the 21st century was challenged (Jaguars lost 20 straight in 2020-21).
Notably, this isn't the longest active streak in the league, as the Raiders have lost 10 in a row, but it still gives them a slight edge in defeating the Jaguars on Sunday.
“I don't know if that's our motivation because we don't think about it that way,” linebacker Micah McFadden said. “Of course we don't want to lose 10 in a row, but for the sake of the team, for the players who have the opportunity to play because other players are absent, and for the team, we decided to win one. For the morale of the people in the building. ”
The Giants' first 10-game losing streak in 100 years is the first of what could be two ultimate humiliations for Daboll's team.
The second time is next week, when the Giants lose to the Colts for the second time in history (1974) to go winless at home and become the first NFL team in the 17-game era (four seasons) to go 0-9 at home. . .
“We're doing everything we can to get the win,” Daboll said.
