Everything you need to know about the Week 1 matchup between the New York Giants and Denver Broncos:
Kickoff Weekend
The Giants will face Denver in a season opener for the first time in 20 years plus one day. On Sept. 10, 2001, they played in the first regular season game in what is now Empower Field at Mile High. The Giants will try to win consecutive games against the Broncos for the first time since 1986-89 (two regular season games and Super Bowl XXI). They won the most recent meeting, 23-10, in Denver on Oct. 15, 2017. They last hosted the Broncos on Sept. 15, 2013, in the final game in which Eli and Peyton Manning faced each other as the starting quarterbacks. In the teams' only postseason meeting, the Giants defeated the Broncos, 39-20, in Super Bowl XXI.
Injury Report: Saquon Questionable; Engram Out
New York Giants
Out: TE Evan Engram (calf)
Questionable: RB Saquon Barkley (knee), CB Adoree' Jackson (ankle)
*WR Kenny Golladay (hamstring), LB Justin Hilliard (foot), CB Josh Jackson (calf), TE Kyle Rudolph (foot), DL Danny Shelton (neck), TE Kaden Smith (knee), T Andrew Thomas (ankle), and WR Kadarius Toney (hamstring) were limited in practice this week but are probable for the game.
Denver Broncos
Questionable: OLB Bradley Chubb (ankle)
*TE Noah Fant (knee), OLB Von Miller (ankle), TE Albert Okwuegbunam (knee), and WR Courtland Sutton (knee) appeared on the injury report but are expected to play.
Starting to Gel
We may not know definitively until 90 minutes before kickoff when the inactives are announced, but the Giants are eager to see the offense that they drew up in the off-season – whenever that may be. The Giants spent much of training camp without their much-publicized additions. That may all change soon.
"I'm happy to be on the field with all the guys and all the different pieces and getting to see everybody work together," wide receiver Sterling Shepard said. "Starting to make this thing gel, just got to put it together on Sunday."
DJ begins Year 3
The Giants' moves in the draft and free agency centered around helping Daniel Jones get over the hump. His third season begins Sunday against a talented and well-coached defense under Broncos coach Vic Fangio. Jones was asked this week if it's make-or-break time.
"I'm not really seeing it that way, I guess," Jones said. "I think my mindset is just to go out and help this team win games. I think we're in a position, we've had a good camp and we're prepared, and my job is to put the team in a position to win games, to protect the football and distribute the ball to guys who can make plays for us. That's kind of how I'm looking at it."
Depth Chart
The Giants broke training camp, released their 53-man roster, and voted on their team captains. Now, they have announced their Week 1 depth chart. As always, it is subject to change. It simply serves as a guide, more so for the media than the coaches.
One of the biggest questions heading into training camp was how the right side of the offensive line would shake out. Will Hernandez, who made all 39 of his previous starts at left guard, has moved to the right guard spot and is slotted as the starter. As for right tackle, Nate Solder is now listed as the starter ahead of Matt Peart, a switch from the initial depth chart released heading into the first preseason game. Solder opted out of last season due to pandemic concerns and rejoined the team this offseason.
Graham vs. Shurmur
Two years ago, the Giants were running Pat Shurmur's offense. On Sunday, they will attempt to stop it. As Michael Eisen wrote, Shurmur will begin his second season as the Denver Broncos' offensive coordinator by returning to one of his former home venues when they face the Giants in MetLife Stadium in the teams' season-opening matchup. Shurmur coached the Giants in 2018-19 and was replaced by Joe Judge after the 2019 season.
This is his ninth season as a pro coordinator and his 13th calling plays, so Judge and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham had an extensive body of work to study in preparation for this game.
"One, they run the ball and he's committed to running the ball," Graham said. "So, in this league – and you can go back to Pop Warner – if you don't stop the run, the offensive coordinator has you right where he wants you, because we're going to be scrambling to stop the run. So, that's what's important. We've got to stop the run. Not only do they have good backs, they've got a good offensive line, they've got a good scheme, whether they mix in the zone schemes, the gap schemes.
"Coach (Shurmur) does a great job of mixing it up and staying committed to it. That's the biggest thing, so it's a big emphasis for us. We've got to match their intensity in the run game. You've got an offensive line that plays well together. I know they've got a new piece at the right tackle spot (Bobbie Massie), but they play well together, so it's a challenge. But that's where it starts and then from there, the stuff off the run game – you've got the play actions, the boots, the nakeds, however you want to play off of that."
View rare photos of the history between the New York Giants and Denver Broncos.
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass from quarterback Kent Graham as Denver Broncos cornerback Tito Paul (28) was unable to break up the play in the fourth quarter Sunday, Dec. 13, 1998 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The touchdown gave the Giants a 20-16 win over the Broncos to end their run at an unbeaten season. (AP Photo/John Dunn)
Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway (7) looks to get rid of the football as he caught for a sack by the New York Giants Jim Burt during second quarter NFL action at Giants Stadium, Sunday, Nov. 23, 1986, East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) talks to Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway (7) before the NFL game on November 23, 1986 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 19-16. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants' Mark Bavaro, left, is tackled after 15 yard pass reception in the first half at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Nov. 23, 1986. Denver Broncos Jim Ryan (50) is at left. (AP Photo)
New York Giants Phil McConkey cradles the ball as Denver Broncos Steve Wilson, right, looks on at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Nov. 23, 1986. McConkey gained 46 yards on the play to set up the winning field goal. (AP Photo/Susan Regan)
New York Giants defensive end George Martin (75) works his way around a block by Denver Broncos offensive lineman Ken Lanier (76) during the NFL football game against the Denver Broncos on Nov. 23, 1986 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 19-16. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants defender Erik Howard (74) and Lawrence Taylor (56) stand over Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway after he was sacked in the endzone for a safety during second quarter action in Super Bowl XXI in Pasadena, Calif., in this Jan. 25, 1987 photo. Hoping to purge the past, the Denver Broncos aim to make amends for their three Super Bowl failures under Elway. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) shown in action in Super Bowl XXI game in Pasadena, Ca., Sunday, Jan. 25, 1987. The Giants defeated the Denver Broncos, 39-20. (AP Photo)
Defensive tackle Leonard Marshall (70) of the New York Giants rushes quarterback John Elway (7) of the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl XXI January 25,1987 in Pasadena. The Giants defeated the Broncos 39- 20. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway gets pressure from New York Giants Leonard Marshall (70) and Jim Burt (64) during the second quarter of Super Bowl XXI in Pasadena, Calif., Jan. 25, 1987. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
New York Giants Phil McConkey dives for the ball for a touchdown after it bounced off Mark Bavaro (left) in the fourth quarter of Super BowlXXI, Jan. 25, 1987 in Pasadena. Center is Broncos cornerback Mike Harden (31). (AP Photo/Peter Southwick)
New York Giants defensive backs Herb Welch and Kenny Hill wrap up Broncos wide receiver Vance Johnson during the Giants 39 - 20 victory over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXI on January 25, 1987 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants wide receiver Stacy Robinson runs upfield and is pushed out of bounds by Broncos cornerback Steve Wilson during the Giants 39 - 20 victory over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXI on January 25, 1987 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants tight end Mark Bavaro (89) is stopped by Denver Broncos Dennis Smith (49) after taking a 17-yard pass from quarterback Phil Simms in the first quarter of Super Bowl XXI in Pasadena, Calif., Jan. 25, 1987. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
New York Giants wide receiver Lionel Manuel (86) runs with the football and is pushed out of bounds by Denver Broncos safety Dennis Smith (49) during a 39 - 20 victory in Super Bowl XXI on Jan. 25, 1987 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Cal. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants running back Ottis Anderson (24) is congratulated by guard William Moore (66) after scoring on a two-yard run during a Super Bowl XXI NFL game against the Denver Broncos in Pasadena, on January 25, 1987. The Giants defeated the Broncos 39-20. (AP Photo/Vernon Biever)
One Hall of Famer chases another as New York Giants linebacker Harry Carson (53) chases Broncos quarterback John Elway (7) during the Giants 39-20 victory over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXI on January 25, 1987 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. (AP Photo/Vernon Biever)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms winds up to pass in the first quarter of Super Bowl XXI, Jan. 25, 1987 in Pasadena, Calif. Left is Broncos Rulon Jones (75) and Giants left tackle Brad Benson (60). (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms winds up and looks for a receiver during the second quarter of Super Bowl XXI in Pasadena, Calif., Jan. 25, 1987. Coming in at right is Broncos Andre Townsend. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
New York Giants running back Joe Morris (20) find a hole for short gain in the third quarter of Super Bowl XXI, Jan. 25, 1987 in Pasadena, Calif. Right is Broncos cornerback Louis Wright (20). Giants won, 39-20. (AP Photo/Lennox Mclendon)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) rolls out during an NFL game against the Denver Broncos at Mile High Stadium on December 10, 1989. The Giants defeated the Broncos 14-7. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass from quarterback Kent Graham as Denver Broncos cornerback Tito Paul (28) was unable to break up the play in the fourth quarter Sunday, Dec. 13, 1998 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The touchdown gave the Giants a 20-16 win over the Broncos to end their run at an unbeaten season. (AP Photo/John Dunn)
New York Giants wide receiver Joe Jurevicius (86) is tripped up by a diving Denver Broncos cornerback Tito Paul after completing a 15-yard reception in the second quarter at Giants Stadium Sunday, Dec. 13, 1998 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
New York Giants fullback Jim Finn, right, has words with Denver Broncos defensive tackle Gerard Warren after Warren was called for a holding penalty during the first quarter Sunday, Oct. 23, 2005 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey (80) runs out of bounds ahead of Denver Bronco's Ian Gold after catching a fourth quarter 24-yard pass from quarterback Eli Manning setting up the Giants final touchdown for a 24-23 victory Sunday, Oct. 23, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer, right, scores the winning touchdown on a two-yard pass as Denver Broncos cornerback Domonique Foxworth defends, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2005 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won, 24-23.(AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass as he is pressured by Denver Broncos defensive end Trevor Pryce (93) during the second quarter Sunday, Oct. 23, 2005 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Manning completed 23 of 42 passes for 214 yards and two touchdowns as the Giants beat the Broncos, 24-23. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) tackles Denver Broncos tight end Jeb Putzier (88) on second down in the second quarter of their game, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer, right, reacts after scoring the winning touchdown on a two-yard pass against Denver Broncos cornerback Domonique Foxworth, left, to give the Giants a 24-23 win Sunday, Oct. 23, 2005 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Denver Broncos tight end Stephen Alexander (82) is tackled by New York Giants cornerback Will Allen during the first quarter Sunday, Oct. 23, 2005 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in Denver, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls a play during the first quarter an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in Denver, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) talks with Denver Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton (8) following an NFL football game in Denver, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009. Denver won 26-6. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) looks for running room during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in Denver, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon (87) is tackled by Denver Broncos safety David Bruton (30) during the third quarter of an NFL football game in Denver, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) is tackled by Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Denver, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall has a pass deflected by New York Giants cornerback Corey Webster (23) during an NFL football game against the at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning passes against Denver Broncos linebacker Mario Haggan during an NFL football game at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss runs during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (34) celebrates after picking up a first down during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the Denver Broncos during a week 2 football game on September 14, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) evades a tackle by Denver Broncos' Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (45) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Denver Broncos' Eric Decker (87) is tackled by New York Giants' Jacquian Williams (57), Corey Webster (23) and Mark Herzlich (58) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants Rueben Randle (82) is tackled by Denver Broncos' Kayvon Webster (36) and Andre Caldwell (12) during the first half of an NFL football game on a kick return Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Denver Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno (27) is tackled by New York Giants' Spencer Paysinger (52) and Linval Joseph during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Denver Broncos' Duke Ihenacho (33) tackles New York Giants' David Wilson (22) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) makes a catch during a week 2 football game against the Denver Broncos on September 14, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants Hakeem Nicks, left, attempts to avoid a tackle by Denver Broncos cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Da'Rel Scott (33) rushes past Denver Broncos' David Bruton (30) to score a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Broncos won the game 41-23. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) runs away from Denver Broncos' Tony Carter (32) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) makes a catch during a week 2 football game against the Denver Broncos on September 14, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) shakes hands with his brother New York Giants' Eli Manning (10) after an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants running back David Wilson (22) is tackled during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls out the defense as Chris Snee (76) and David Baas (64) listen during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Denver Broncos' Tony Carter (32) dives for New York Giants' Rueben Randle (82) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Denver Broncos running back Montee Ball (28) gets up after fumbling the ball during the first half of an NFL football game as New York Giants cornerback Terrell Thomas (24) and Prince Amukamara (20) celebrate recovering the ball Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) crosses midfield on a 19-yard reception during third quarter action against the Denver Broncos in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, Colo. October 15, 2017. (AP Photo via Eric Bakke)
New York Giants rookie tight end Evan Engram (88) is upended after making a catch during a 6 NFL football game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 in Denver. New York won 23-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
The Denver Broncos offense lines up against the New York Giants defense during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa (26) runs with the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram runs against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Players for the New York Giants and the Denver Broncos shake hands before an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa (26) carries the ball during a NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday October 15, 2017 in Denver. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) runs upfield during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the Denver Broncos during a NFL football game on Sunday October 15, 2017 in Denver. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) greets New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) after an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Denver. The Giants won, 23-10. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws the ball during a week 6 NFL football game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 in Denver. New York won 23-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
The Denver Broncos start a play against the New York Giants during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) runs after the catch in front of Denver Broncos linebacker Shaquil Barrett (48) during a week 6 NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 in Denver. New York won 23-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) prepares for the snap under center during a week 6 NFL football game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 in Denver. New York won 23-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) hands off to Orleans Darkwa (26) during fourth quarter action against the Denver Broncos in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, Colo. October 15, 2017. (AP Photo via Eric Bakke)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) runs upfield during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Captains' Log
As decided by a vote, seven players will represent the team as captains: quarterback Daniel Jones, running back Saquon Barkley, center Nick Gates, linebacker Blake Martinez, safeties Jabrill Peppers and Logan Ryan, and kicker Graham Gano.
Barkley is a third-year captain; Jones, Martinez and Peppers were selected for a second season; and Gates, Ryan and Gano received the honor for the first time. Martinez, Ryan and Gano joined the Giants last year. The seven captains match the 2019 team for the Giants' highest number since they began selecting season-long captains in 2007.
Stats to Impress Your Friends
The 55 Super Bowl winners have a 44-10-1 record in the Kickoff Weekend games of their title seasons.
Since 1978 when the NFL went to the 16-game schedule, and excluding the abbreviated season of 1982, teams that are victorious in their season openers are more than twice as likely to reach the playoffs than those that lose an opening game. This season will feature a 17-game schedule for each team for the first time in history.
Of the 633 teams that won openers…333 went to the playoffs (204 won division titles).
Of the 632 teams that lost openers…151 went to the playoffs (86 won division titles).
In 2020, the 14 playoff teams compiled an 11-3 record on Kickoff Weekend, with the eight division winners going a perfect 8-0.
New to 2021
This past offseason, NFL clubs approved an enhanced season structure that. beginning in 2021. will feature each team playing 17 regular season games and three preseason games for the first time. The NFL-NFLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement signed in March of 2020 enabled the league, with the approval of the union and its players, to enhance the regular season with a move to 17 games, providing fans an extra week of regular-season NFL action. That decision was confirmed in March, marking the first change to the season structure since the 1978 campaign ushered in an era of 16 regular-season and four preseason games. The 17th game will feature teams from opposing conferences that finished in the same place within their division the previous season. The AFC was determined to be the home conference for the 17th game in 2021.
Never Forget
Current offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, who was the Giants' backup quarterback at the time, recalled his memories of being with the team in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2011.
"Obviously, it's a tragic time in our country's history and just having been here, the memories are really vivid for me," Garrett said. "I can remember so many specific details of the day and certainly the week and the time to follow. It just was a really, really sad time. One of the great takeaways – I actually was talking to (Former Giants Quarterback) Kerry Collins about this the other night, it was just amazing how this area and our country, in many ways our world, came together after 9/11. I can remember we were living in the city at the time, and I can remember we were going to go donate blood, and literally they said, 'We've had so many people want to donate blood, we do not need any more blood.' To us, that was always like this amazing thing, how everybody rallied around the cause after such a tragedy. It was such a sad, emotional time. In many ways, I think we felt fortunate as members of this team to be able to try to help the community in some ways. We spent a lot of time at firehouses and visiting police departments and some of the people who lost their dads or their moms. At least you felt like you were trying to do something, and I thought (Vice President of Community & Corporate Relations) Allison Stangeby and everybody here at the Giants did an amazing job connecting us with the community in that regard.
"I'll never forget the picture we took after the Kansas City game. I'm sure you guys have seen it. (Former Giants head) coach (Jim) Fassel – it was an emotional time, and it was an important game for us and somehow, some way we found a way to beat the Chiefs that day. I remember after the game he just brought everybody in and said, 'Just kind of get in the locker room,' and we all kind of just got in this picture and they snapped this picture. We felt a real burden and a responsibility to have success for this area and for the people who were going through such challenging times and I thought that moment captured it where we all kind of came together. It's still one of my favorite pictures I've ever had in football. I have it in my office. I have it at my house. So many distinct memories of that time. Twenty years later, I mean, they're vivid. They're vivid and you can still feel them. Obviously, a very tragic time in our country's history."
Limited Tickets Available for Giants vs. Broncos
Limited tickets are available for the Giants' home opener vs. the Broncos on Sunday
