Eli Manning is not there this time to come out of the shadows and prevent the Giants from entering into a questionable history.
For the second time in the last six seasons, the Giants tied the record for longest losing streak in the history of the century-old franchise.
It will take a win as a nine-point underdog Sunday against the Falcons in Atlanta to avoid the 10th straight loss that would eclipse the futility mark held by the 1976 and 2019 teams (and faced over two seasons in 2003-04).
Perhaps this can serve as a rallying cry as the Giants look for anything that can be used as an advantage.
“I really don’t think anyone would want their name attached to that,” wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson told the Post. “I don’t think [streak] must necessarily appear. The guys know why we play. But if guys see it on social media or something, then it becomes a little extra chip on your shoulder like, “Hey, I’m not going to let that happen.” »
The last time the Giants were in this location was Dec. 15, 2019, when they beat the Dolphins in a game better known as Manning’s emotional farewell.
Reduced to serving as backup to then-rookie Daniel Jones for most of his final season, the two-time Super Bowl MVP outscored counterpart Ryan Fitzpatrick in place of the injured Jones to raise his career record to .500 (118- 118).
Just as the first seven of these losses were in Jones’ ledger in 2019, the first five are in 2024.
Head coach Brian Daboll has played three quarterbacks in the four games since Jones was cut – Drew Lock, Tommy DeVito and Tim Boyle – and none have impersonated Manning, meaning the defense, special teams or injecting something random might be the only ticket. to salvation.
“I don’t think about the 10 straight losses, as hard as that is,” tight end Daniel Bellinger said. “Obviously we don’t want to be one of those teams. But our pride is the same every week, whatever the record. We want to win this week. Right away.”
The anatomy of this nine-game stretch spans 73 days and two continents and includes a point differential of minus 105, a turnover differential of negative 6, nine players added to injured reserve and d Others who could still be eliminated, 12 players on the injured list. The current roster of 53 players did not play in the Giants’ last victory and two planes flying over the stadium demanded big changes in ownership.
“We need a win, ultimately,” defensive coordinator Shane Bowen said. “Finding everything we need to do to win a game, no matter the circumstances. It’s the message: “Let’s take advantage of every minute we have right now to prepare and do our best next Sunday.” »
The longest losing streak in NFL history belongs to the expansion Buccaneers (26) in 1976-77 and was challenged by the longest losing streak in the 21st century (the Jaguars lost 20 in a row in 2020- 21).
Remarkably, that’s not the longest active streak in the league as the Raiders are 10 straight losers — and yet still slightly favored Sunday to beat the Jaguars.
“I don’t know if that’s our motivation because we don’t think about things that way,” linebacker Micah McFadden said. “Obviously we don’t want to lose 10 games in a row, but we’re focused on winning for the sake of the team, for the sake of the guys who have the opportunity to play because other guys are out, for the sake of the good of the team. for the morale of the people in the building.
A first 10-game losing streak in 100 years for the Giants is the first of what could become two final indignities for Daboll’s group.
The second would take place next week if the Giants lose to the Colts and go winless at home for the second time in franchise history (1974) and become the first NFL team to go 0-9 at home during over a period of 17 games (four seasons). .
“We’re doing everything we can,” Daboll said, “to try to win.”
