The Giants will try to pick up their second consecutive win when they travel to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs Monday night.
Big Blue is coming off a 25-3 victory over the Panthers in Week 7. The defense held Carolina to just three points and 173 total yards and had six sacks, all of which were season-best marks for the unit. It also held the Panthers to 2-of-15 on third down.
The Kansas City offense registered season-low marks of three points and 334 total yards, while the offense turned the ball over three times as they fell to the Titans, 27-3.
Here are five story lines to follow on Monday Night Football:
Keep the momentum going
The Giants put together their best overall performance of the season against the Panthers. Heading into Week 7, Carolina had not finished a game with less than 18 points or 267 total yards.
Big Blue was also able to move the ball on offense, despite missing their top four playmakers. Daniel Jones (sacked twice) completed 70 percent of his passes for 203 yards and a touchdown, adding 28 yards on the ground, while not turning over the ball. The unit got solid performances from Darius Slayton, Evan Engram and Dante Pettis, while Devontae Booker filled in admirably for Saquon Barkley.
The special teams stepped up big, too. Graham Gano connected on all five of his kicks (three field goals, two extra points), including FGs of 49, 53 and 44 yards. Gano broke the Giants' all-time record for most field goals of 50+ yards, and was named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week.
Will any injured playmakers return?
The offense recorded 25 points and over 300 total yards of offense despite missing several of the team's top playmaker. Barkley missed his second consecutive game after hurting his ankle during the Week 5 loss against the Cowboys and has yet to return to practice. The team was also without their top three wide receivers in Week 7. After returning to the field in Week 6, Sterling Shepard was unable to overcome his hamstring injury in time to play against the Panthers. Kenny Golladay (knee) and Kadarius Toney (ankle) alsomissed Sunday's game and head coach Joe Judge indicated on Wednesday their returns are on different timelines.
"Being a Monday night game, there's a little bit more of a window of time," Coach Joe Judge said Wednesday about the injured playmakers. "They've all made progress. We're going to move them around today. Tomorrow, we'll probably have a much better idea in terms of going into the game with them (and) what they're going to look like. I wouldn't say anything that happens today or tomorrow would rule them out or guarantee them at the game, but today should give us a little bit of an insight to it and then really tomorrow in terms of how much they can do individually, how much they can do in some team periods, what are they able to do when they're out there...
"There's different timetables for all of these guys. I'm not going to go ahead and give a 'This guy's further ahead.' With these injuries, it sounds like day by day different guys are at different points and some days it sounds like one guy is further along than another guy. What we ask from the trainers is just give us accurate information and let us know so we can plan accordingly."
With those four out, the Giants saw several players step up in their absence. Devontae Booker led the backfield in touches, taking 14 carries for 51 yards and a touchdown while adding two receptions for 15 yards. Dante Pettis caught five passes for 39 yards and a touchdown, while Darius Slayton, in his first game back since Week 3, led the team with 63 receiving yards on five receptions. Tight end Evan Engram also caught a team-high six passes for 44 yards.
"Every player we bring to the game, we expect to play," Judge said Monday. "We coach every player, we develop every player, everyone's expected to come in and produce and execute on Sunday. In terms of whoever's available, we want everybody to be available. The reality is that sometimes that doesn't happen, that's just the nature of the National Football League. Whoever we have up, we're going to go out and we expect to compete and we expect to have success."
Win the turnover battle
For the second time this season, the Giants' offense did not turn the ball over in Week 7. On the other side of the ball, cornerback James Bradberry had an interception against Sam Darnold, matching his career-high of three picks on the season.
"I think when you're playing good football, that gives other guys around you an opportunity to have success," Coach Judge said Monday. "When you're not playing well, it puts more stress on the man next to you, so to me that's why you have to rely on all 11 to do their job. Obviously, the quarterback and his position touches the ball every pay, he's the guy the offense runs through. Obviously, he has to play well for anyone to have success."
The Giants' defense goes into Monday tied for the 10th-most turnovers with nine. The Chiefs have turned over the ball 17 times in the first seven games, five more than the next highest total. Kansas City's offense has at least three turnovers in each of its last three games and in four of its last five. Patrick Mahomes has thrown nine interceptions along with two fumbles lost.
View rare photos of the history between the New York Giants and Kansas City Chiefs ahead of their Week 8 matchup on Monday Night Football.
Giants TE Mark Bavaro gathers in a Phil Simms pass over the Chiefs' Lloyd Burruss and Aaron Pearson, right, for a first quarter touchdown at Giants Stadium, Dec. 11, 1988.
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) throws a pass during an NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs in East Rutherford on November 25, 1984. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 28-27. (AP Photo/Chuck Solomon)
New York Giants defensive tackle Jim Burt (64) takes out Kansas City Chiefs running back Ken Lacy (40) during an NFL game in East Rutherford on November 25, 1984. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 28-27. (AP Photo/Chuck Solomon)
New York Giants linebacker Carl Banks (58) pass rushes during an NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs in East Rutherford on November 25, 1984. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 28-27. (AP Photo/Chuck Solomon)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) throws a pass during an NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs in East Rutherford on November 25, 1984. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 28-27. (AP Photo/Chuck Solomon)
New York Giants running back Rob Carpenter (26) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs Nov. 25, 1984, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Chuck Solomon via AP)
New York Giants kicker Ali Haji-Sheikh (6) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs Nov. 25, 1984, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Chuck Solomon via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Jeff Hostetler enjoys a scoring moment with teammate Mark Ingram during the first quarter of game against the Kansas City Chiefs in East Rutherford, New Jersey Saturday, Dec. 20, 1992. Hostetler connected for Ingram for a 21 yard touchdown pass, one of two tossed by the quarterback, after being out for three weeks with a severe concussion. The Giants downed the Chiefs 35-21. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
New York Giants receiver Chris Calloway runs with a reception during an NFL Football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 17, 1995 in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs defeated the Giants 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants running back Rodney Hampton dives forward for yadage during an NFL Football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 17, 1995 in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs defeated the Giants 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants, Michael Strahan (92) during a game against the Kansas City Chief on December 20, 1998 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants beat the Chiefs 28-7. Michael Strahan played for 15 years all with the Giants. He was a 7-time Pro Bowler and was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.(AP Photo/David Durochik)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) runs upfield during an NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, N.J., Dec. 20, 1998. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 28-7. (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants coach Jim Fassel wears a New York Police Department cap while pausing during a moment of silence before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 23, 2001. New York coaches and officials wore New York emergency services caps to honor those killed at the World Trade Center during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez blocks against New York Giants Brandon Short during an NFL football game on Sept. 23, 2001 in Kansas City, Mo. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 13-3. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants quarterback Kerry Collins calls signals at the line during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 23, 2001 in Kansas City, Mo. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 13-3. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Tiki Barber #21 of the New York Giants runs for yardage against the Kansas City Chiefs during an NFL football game on Sept. 23, 2001 in Kansas City, Mo. The Giants won 13-3. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants defensive back Jason Sehorn defends on a play during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 23, 2001 in Kansas City, Mo. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 13-3. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants running back Ron Dayne runs for yardage during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 23, 2001 in Kansas City, Mo. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 13-3. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Trent Green (10) looks for a receiver as New York Giants cornerback Jason Sehorn (31) forces him out of the pocket in the third quarter Sunday, Sept. 23, 2001, in Kansas City, Mo. New York won 13-3. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants cornerback Will Allen (25) brings down Kansas City Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez during the first half Sunday, Sept. 23, 2001, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. New York won 13-3. (AP Photo/Ed Zurgal)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber escapes from Kansas City Chiefs' Kendrell Bell during the third quarter in NFL football action Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, in East Rutherford, N.J. Barber ran for 220 yards and the Giants won, 27-17.(AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giantswide receiver Plaxico Burress gains 15 yards on a pass-play as Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Eric Warfield, reart, attempts to bring him down during fourth-quarter NFL football Saturday night, Dec. 17, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won, 27-17. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber powers his way to the end zone as Kansas City Chiefs' Greg Wesley tries to bring him down in the fourth quarter of NFL football action Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won, 27-17. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber, left, heads down field ahead of Kansas City Chiefs' Greg Wesley (25) to score a touchdown during the second quarter of NFL football action Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants' Amani Toomer manages to keep his knee from touching the ground despite the efforts of Kansas City Chiefs Kendrell Bell, left, and Sammy Knight during the fourth quarter in NFL football action Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, in East Rutherford, N.J. Toomer broke free on the play and scored a touchdown. The play was reviewed but the call stood. The Giants won, 27-17. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants' Amani Toomer (81) holds up the ball after scoring a touchdown despite the efforts of Kansas City Chiefs' Greg Wesley (25) during the fourth quarter of NFL action Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants' Amani Toomer, right, drags along Kansas City Chiefs' Greg Wesley on his way to the end zone during the fourth quarter of NFL football action Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won, 27-17. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan, left, grabs Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Trent Green by the jersey during fourth quarter NFL football Saturday night, Dec. 17, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won, 27-17. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) breaks a tackle by Kansas City Chiefs safety Sammy Knight, left, as he runs 31 yards for a touchdown during fourth-quarter NFL football Saturday night, Dec. 17, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants beat the Chiefs, 27-17. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Trent Green (10) is sacked by New York Giants defensive tackle Kendrick Allen during first quarter NFL football Saturday night, Dec. 17, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson, center, is pulled down by New York Giants safety C.C. Brown, left, and safety Michael Johnson after running up the middle for a 15-yard gain during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning passes during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs with the ball during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning looks to pass during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs with the ball as Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Corey Mays (51) defends during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss, center, catches a pass as Kansas City Chiefs safety Jarrad Page, left, and safety Jon McGraw, right, defend during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) celebrates after stopping Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson during second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, in Kansas City. The Giants won 27-16. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs past Kansas City Chiefs safety Jon McGraw (47) during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, in Kansas City. The Giants won 27-16. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith, front, catches a 25-yard pass for a touchdown as Kansas City Chiefs safety Jarrad Page looks on during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel (7) is knocked to the ground by New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora after throwing during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning yells instructions during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning looks to pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith, right, catches a 25-yard pass for a touchdown as Kansas City Chiefs safety Jarrad Page looks on during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham, left, catches a pass under pressure from Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Brandon Flowers (24) for a 43-yard gain during the first quarter of a their NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith (12) gets past Kansas City Chiefs safety Mike Brown (30) to score a touchdown during the second quarter of a their NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (82) is tackled by New York Giants middle linebacker Mark Herzlich (58) during the first half of an NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
The New York Giants defense gets set at the line of scrimmage against the Kansas City Chiefs offense during an NFL football game on Sept. 29, 2013 in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs won, 31-7. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (82) catches a ball against New York Giants middle linebacker Mark Herzlich (58) and cornerback Aaron Ross (31) during the first half of an NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants running back David Wilson (22) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants outside linebacker Spencer Paysinger (52) recovers a ball fumbled by the Kansas City Chiefs with help from defensive tackle Mike Patterson (93) during the first half of an NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants running back David Wilson (22) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Akeem Jordan (55) during the first half of an NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dexter McCluster (22) is run out of bounds by New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle (26) during the first half of an NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to hand the ball off during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants outside linebacker Spencer Paysinger (52) recovers a fumble during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants running back David Wilson (22) runs in the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes to a teammate during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants defensive back Terrell Thomas (24) brings down Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dexter McCluster (22) during the second half of an NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Dunta Robinson (21) during the first half of an NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) looks to advance under pressure from Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Dunta Robinson (21) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) in action during the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) looks to advance under pressure from Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Dunta Robinson (21) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa (26) reacts with teammates after rushing for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) greets Kansas City Chiefs' Travis Kelce (87) after an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 12-9. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Jerell Adams (89) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs' Reggie Ragland (59) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87 is tackled by New York Giants safety Darian Thompson (27) in action Sunday Nov.19, 2017 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs' Eric Murray (21) chases New York Giants' Evan Engram (88) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) rushes during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Evan Engram (88) is tackled during the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) sacks Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) prepares for the snap during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, East Rutherford, NJ. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 12-9. (Al Tielemans via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) rushes as Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) and Chris Jones (95) watch during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa (26) celebrates with teammates Brett Jones (69) and Chad Wheeler (63) after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) runs with the ball during the game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, East Rutherford, NJ. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 12-9. (Al Tielemans via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) is tackled by New York Giants' Ross Cockrell (37) and Calvin Munson (46) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) runs with the ball during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, East Rutherford, NJ. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 12-9. (Al Tielemans via AP)
Don't let Mahomes get rolling
From 2018-20 with Patrick Mahomes starting under center, the Chiefs won 12, 11 and 14 games, with one Super Bowl championship, another Super Bowl appearance and an additional trip to the AFC Championship. With all of this success over the last three seasons, it is surprising to see Kansas City sitting at 3-4 and leading the league in turnovers by a significant margin. However, don't mistake some of these early-season struggles for a bad team; the Chiefs' offense is still dangerous.
Mahomes is coming off the worst game of his career. In last week's 27-3 loss to the Titans, the 26-year-old completed just 57 percent of his passes for a season-low 206 yards and no TDs. Mahomes threw his ninth interception of the season, lost his second fumble, and was pulled late in the fourth quarter with the game well out of reach. It was the first game this season in which he did not throw multiple touchdowns, as he was averaging three per game in the first six weeks of the season. Even with his struggles, he is still completing a career-best 67.5 percent of his passes for 2,093 yards and 18 touchdowns.
"He looks like one of the best quarterbacks in the world to me," Judge said about Mahomes. "This guy is – look, to be as athletic as he is, as just naturally instinctive as he is and have that kind of arm strength to make all those throws, there's a reason this guy gets paid that much money because there's not a lot of these guys walking the Earth. This guy's extremely talented. He's got a lot of savvy and experience. I think he does a great job of going through the initial reads, finding the right receiver and if something gets shut down, extending the play."
The Giants' defense shut down Sam Darnold last week, limiting the quarterback to just 111 yards on 16-of-25 passing with an interception. Darnold was pulled from the game in the second half for P.J. Walker, who mustered just three completions on 14 attempts for 33 yards. The two quarterbacks were sacked three times apiece, giving the Giants an average of 2.3 sacks per game. The Chiefs are allowing an average of 2.0 sacks per game.
Look out for Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce
Tyreek Hill is the Chiefs' leading receiver and has true breakaway speed. Through the first seven games, Hill has 52 receptions for 641 yards and five touchdowns, along with five rushes for 63 yards. The receptions are tied for the second-most in the NFL, while his receiving yards rank fifth. Hill's 72 targets are the most on the team and fourth-most in the league.
"He's definitely a different breed. He's an athletic freak. It'll be a challenge..." safety Xavier McKinney said about Hill.
Coming right behind Hill in targets is the incredibly talented Travis Kelce. Kelce has recorded 83+ receptions and 1,038+ yards in each of the last five seasons. In 15 games last season, Kelce caught a whopping 105 passes for 1,416 yards and 11 touchdowns. Through the first seven games of 2021, the five-time All Pro tight end has 45 receptions for 533 yards and four touchdowns.
"He can block. He can run routes. He's a very savvy guy from what I've seen," McKinney added about Kelce. "Just a really good tight end. I respect him a lot, we respect him as a team. I think it'll be a challenge for us, but we'll be ready."
The Giants have done a relatively good job at limiting opposing tight ends this season. Only Denver's Noah Fant and Dallas' Dalton Schultz have registered more than five receptions and 45 yards. However, the defense has allowed four touchdowns in seven games to the position. The Giants' did a great job of slowing down Panthers top WR D.J. Moore last week, keeping him to six receptions for 73 yards.
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