EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Daunting challenges rooted in history, statistics and athleticism will greet the Giants when they face the Baltimore Ravens tomorrow in M&T Bank Stadium.
The Giants haven't won in Baltimore since Sept. 15, 1963, when they defeated the Colts, 37-28. Okay, that's misleading because they've since played there just twice, but both of those games – also played in December – were eminently forgettable. In 2004, rookie Eli Manning had an 0.0 passer rating and was replaced in a game for performance reasons for the only time in his career in a 37-14 loss. Eight years ago, the Giants lost, 33-14, as the Ravens gained 533 yards (309 passing, 224 on the ground), and owned the ball for more than 39 minutes. And we don't need to discuss what happened when the teams met in Super Bowl XXXV 20 years ago.
Now the Giants are 5-9 and hoping to end a two-game losing streak in which they scored just 13 total points. They can win the NFC East title if they defeat the Ravens and Dallas and the Washington Football Team loses at least one of its final two games. But a Giants loss coupled with a Washington victory tomorrow will make Washington the division champions.
"Not to think about the playoffs or anything like that, but we're basically treating it like the playoffs right now," defensive lineman Leonard Williams said. "We know what's at stake and we know that we have to win these last two games basically to go to the playoffs. Starting now is basically our playoffs. That's kind of how we're treating this game."
View rare photos of the all-time history between the New York Giants and Baltimore Ravens.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) is brought down by New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) and \Giants defensive tackle Barry Cofield (96) during their NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
Members of the New York Giants offensive line, Kareem McKenzie (67), Chris Snee (76), Shaun O'Hara (60), Rich Seubert (69) and Kevin Boss, far right, walk to the line of scrimmage during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) at the line of scrimmage against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) celebrates with teammates during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) runs away from Baltimore Ravens' Lardarius Webb (21) the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Ron Dixon (86) is cheered on by teammates as he runs in for a touchdown while Baltimore Ravens' Matt Stover (3) attempts to catch him during the third quarter Friday, Aug. 25, 2000, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
The New York Giants line up at the line of scrimmage against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Cornerback Aaron Ross #31 of the New York Giants returns an intercepted pass (his second of the day) for a touchdown during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Giants Stadium on November 16, 2008 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Ravens 30-10. AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Gary Brightwell (23) returns a kick off past Baltimore Ravens place kicker Justin Tucker (9) during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (92) upends Baltimore Ravens quarterback Trent Dilfer (8) in Super Bowl XXXV in Tampa. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Giants 34 - 7. January 28, 2001. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
A look down the line of scrimmage during a NFL football game with the New York Giants playing against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday October 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants safety Julian Love (20) runs with the football during an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Ravens 24-20. (Kathryn Riley via AP)
New York Giants safety Julian Love (20) returns an interception over Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (89) catches a pass during an NFL game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Ravens 24-20. (Kathryn Riley via AP)
New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger (82) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Baltimore Ravens' Geno Stone (26) tackles New York Giants' Wan'Dale Robinson (17) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants Kayvon Thibodeaux (5), right, and Leonard Williams (99), top, chase a ball fumbled by Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8), bottom, during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley dives into the end zone to score a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Daniel Bellinger, right, catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Baltimore Ravens' Marcus Peters (24) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Baltimore Ravens place kicker Justin Tucker (9) reacts after missing a field goal during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (17) runs for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) passes the ball against New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) runs away from Baltimore Ravens' Eric Weddle (32) on a game winning touchdown as Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, left, reacts during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 27-23. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Wayne Gallman, center, is stopped by Baltimore Ravens defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) and defensive tackle Brandon Williams (98) while running the ball during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon, left, is pressured by Baltimore Ravens defensive back Chykie Brown as he tries to make a catch during an NFL football game in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
New York Giants wide receiver Joe Jurevicius (84) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens Sept. 3, 1999, in Baltimore. (Allen Kee via AP)
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Breshad Perriman (18) catches a pass between New York Giants' Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (41) and Landon Collins (21) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) runs away from Baltimore Ravens' Will Davis (31) for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Rashad Jennings (23) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens' Timmy Jernigan (99), Zach Orr (54) and Kamalei Correa (51) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Baltimore Ravens' Ryan Jensen (66) blocks New York Giants' Johnathan Hankins (95) as Terrance West (28) rushes during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) runs away form Baltimore Ravens' Anthony Levine (41) for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, left, looks for a receiver as he is pressured by New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul during an NFL football game in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
New York Giants wide receiver Roger Lewis (82) celebrates after catching a pass from quarterback Eli Manning for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The catch was Lewis' first career touchdown reception and Manning's 300th career touchdown pass. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens' Kyle Arrington (24) near the goal line during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) takes the snap from center Weston Richburg (70) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin looks on as his players warm up before an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) runs upfield during an NFL Super Bowl XXXV game against the Baltimore Ravens in Tampa at Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 28, 2001. The Ravens defeated the Giants 34-7. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. Manning ended the drive with his 300th career touchdown on a pass to Roger Lewis. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (92) sacks Baltimore Ravens quarterback Trent Dilfer (8) during Super Bowl XXXV on Jan. 28, 2001 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the New York Giants 34ââ'¬â€œ7. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Roman Oben (72) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens Sept. 3, 1999, in Baltimore. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Ron Dixon (86) hauls in a catch against the Baltimore Ravens during Super Bowl XXXV in Tampa, FL, Jan. 28, 2001. The Ravens defeated the Giants 34-7. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Luke Petitgout (77) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens Sept. 3, 1999, in Baltimore. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants defensive lineman Linval Joseph (97) and Osi Umenyiora (72) wrap up Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) during a week 16 football game against the Baltimore Ravens on December 22, 2012 in Baltimore, Maryland (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) celebrates after they Giants stopped Baltimore Ravens running back Terrance West on fourth down near the goal line during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants strong safety Landon Collins (21) tackles Baltimore Ravens' Dennis Pitta (88) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) and Eli Manning (10) celebrates during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back David Wilson, right, scores a touchdown in front of Baltimore Ravens strong safety James Ihedigbo in the first half of an NFL football game in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
FILE - In this Jan. 28, 2001, file photo, New York Giants wide receiver Ron Dixon (86) runs for a 97-yard touchdown during the third quarter of Super Bowl XXXV against the Baltimore Ravens in Tampa, Fla. Dixon's 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown kept the Ravens from the first shutout in a Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Laura Rauch, File)
The New York Giants offense lines up against the Baltimore Ravens defense during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, in Baltimore. The Ravens won 24-10. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) runs away from a defender during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco drops back to pass against the New York Giants during an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Baltimore Ravens tight end Todd Heap (86) is upended by New York Giants safety Kenny Phillips, right, during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, in Baltimore. At left is the Giants Michael Boley. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
New York Giants linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka, left, tackles Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (17) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis (52) during the second quarter of their NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Baltimore Ravens tight end Todd Heap is upended by New York Giants safety Kenny Phillips (21) during an NFL preseason football game against the New York Giants, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
New York Giants lineman Chris Snee (76), Shaun O'Hara (60) and Rich Seubert (69) walk to the line of scrimmage during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
Baltimore Ravens running back Terrance West (28) is hit by New York Giants' Jonathan Casillas (52) near the goal line on fourth down during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
David Diehl of the New York Giants during the Giants 30-10 win over the Baltimore Ravens on November 16, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning signals to the bench the distance for a first down against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
Baltimore Ravens running back Musa Smith picks up three yards as he is surounded by New York Giants' Nick Greisen (54), Radell Lockhart (78) and T.J. Hollowell, right, during the fourth quarter Thursday night, Sept. 2, 2004, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. The Ravens beat the Giants 27-17. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Antonio Pierce of the New York Giants during the Giants 30-10 win over the Baltimore Ravens on November 16, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) directs his team from the line of scrimmage against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
New York Giants guard Rich Seubert (69) walks to the line of scrimmage with quarterback Eli Manning (10) during an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
David Sills V (13), Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
Leonard Williams (99)
Dante Pettis (13)
Dexter Lawrence (97), David Mayo (55)
Sterling Shepard (87)
Daniel Bellinger David Sills V
Sterling Shepard (87)
Isaac Yiadom (27)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a football game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday October 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
Leonard Williams (99), Xavier McKinney (29), Jaylon Smith (54)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Julian Love (20)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5), Leonard Williams (99)
New York Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) during a game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday October 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jerry Pinkus/ New York Giants)
New York Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) following a football game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday October 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5), Leonard Williams (99), Dexter Lawrence (97)
Baltimore, which has defeated the three other NFC East teams, is 9-5, a record perhaps skewered by a COVID-influenced three-game losing streak that forced them to play a Wednesday night game in Pittsburgh without several players, notably quarterback Lamar Jackson. The Ravens scored 121 points in defeating Dallas, Cleveland and Jacksonville the last three weeks.
"Obviously, they're getting guys back now healthy," Giants coach Joe Judge said. "They're really hitting their stride. This is a very good team. It's going to take everything we have to prepare for them. We have to have our best on Sunday."
Baltimore will make that difficult. The Ravens are the only team in the top six in the league in both points scored (fourth at 28.8 a game) and points allowed (sixth at 20.5). Baltimore leads the NFL in both rushing yardage per game (172.7) and per carry (5.2). Defensively, the Ravens rank ninth by allowing 343.7 yards a game and their third-down defense is tied for fourth (allowing conversions on just 36.6% of opponents attempts).
The Ravens have plenty of incentive; they've not clinched a playoff berth and could miss the postseason at 11-5 if they don't get help.
Safety Logan Ryan last season played for the Tennessee Titans when they took leads of 14 and 22 points on their way to a 22-12 victory against the top-seeded Ravens in an AFC Divisional Playoff Game in Baltimore.
"The reason why my team had success against the Ravens last year is that we came out, we started fast, we got a lead," Ryan said. "I think when you get a lead on the Ravens it makes them play behind, it changes their defense and their offensive schemes a little bit from playing from behind. They're built to play from ahead because they're really good at running the ball, they're really aggressive on defense and you want to get those guys behind on the scoreboard early. So, starting fast is a major point for us and be ready to go on Sunday, believe you can win the game. Be ready to go and start fast is definitely a key point for us."
The Ravens tied the NFL high with seven players selected to the Pro Bowl. One of those excluded was Jackson, the league's most valuable player in 2019. In 13 games, Jackson has completed 64.8% of his passes and thrown for 21 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He leads all NFL quarterbacks with a team-high 828 rushing yards and has scored seven touchdowns on the ground. After running for 1,206 yards last year, Jackson is the only quarterback in NFL history with at least 800 yards rushing in consecutive seasons.
Jackson is 9-0 in starts against NFC teams.
"I think this guy is a unicorn in terms of how he can play," Judge said. "He really makes explosive plays with his legs, along with the arm strength and the plays down the field he's capable of making right there.
"This player is explosive. He's very elusive, he's extremely fast, he has great running instincts, he has very good balance and body control, he's tough to take down, he breaks a lot of tackles. He can get to his top speed very quickly, but then also decelerate and changes direction at will. This is a guy, he's a much different type of player at that position than really any other quarterback I can think of in the league. Obviously, he's having a tremendous amount of success with what he does."
After facing Seattle's Russell Wilson and Arizona's Kyler Murray this month, Giants defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has had to devise a plan for another dynamic, multi-dimensional quarterback in Jackson.
"He's different, he's very different," Graham said. "…This guy is so fast, he's so big, he's so dynamic with the ball. When you sell out for the run game, he will throw the ball over your head and it will be a touchdown with the targets they have. With Hollywood (Marquise Brown) and (Mark) Andrews. It's a unique challenge. I'm looking forward to it. Guys have to get ready for it. It's going to be fun. We just have to see if we can execute."
Their hopes of staying in the division race might depend on it.
"The weather's cold, most teams are physical this time of year, most teams run the ball, most teams want to stop the run," Ryan said. "It's really about executing your details, executing the game, being good situationally and when we tend to do that, we tend to win the game. To us, it's about cleaning up our details and executing and getting ready to play the Ravens."
*Wide receiver Golden Tate will not play because of a calf injury. Tate is fourth on the team with 35 catches for 388 yards. He has two touchdown receptions.
Quarterback Daniel Jones (hamstring/ankle), linebacker Blake Martinez (ankle) and cornerback Darnay Holmes (knee) are questionable.
*The "Bud Light Giants Gameday" radio pregame show will begin at 11:30 a.m. on WFAN 660 AM/101.9 FM and will stream live on Giants.com, the Giants mobile app, and "Giants TV" streaming app.
"Giants Postgame Live" presented by Mercedes-Benz can be heard immediately after the game - also on WFAN 660 AM/101.9 FM and streaming on Giants.com, the Giants mobile app, and "Giants TV" streaming app.
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