In the final game before their bye week, the Giants (2-7) will look to snap a five-game losing streak on Sunday. They will face the local rival Jets (1-7), whom they have defeated three consecutive times as the "visiting" team.
Here are three keys to victory for the Giants:
1. Finish drives
It is not a novel idea. Finishing drives is the goal every week, but there is a major emphasis on it this Sunday. The Giants settled for four field goals last week, none longer than 29 yards. That meant the Giants worked their way to the Cowboys three-, seven-, eight- and 11-yard lines, but were unable to punch it into the end zone.
"Those are the types of plays where it can change the mood and change the outcome of the game," said running back Saquon Barkley, who had a 65-yard catch-and-run on the last of the aforementioned possessions. "At the end of the day, we got three points, but we've still got to be better, and I think that's where we've got to be better as a team, just play better complementary football as a whole."
The good news: The Jets have allowed touchdowns on 65.4 percent of opponents' red zone drives (29th in NFL).
2. Gap leverage
Dallas averaged 5.7 yards per rush for a total of 172 yards on the ground last week against the Giants. Explosive plays can inflate those numbers, but that was not the case on Monday night as the Cowboys' longest run was just 19 yards. After Ezekiel Elliott, the Giants will likely face Le'Veon Bell, who is second only to Jim Brown with 123.6 career scrimmage yards per game (minimum 70 games). Bell missed Wednesday's practice with knee/ankle issues and was limited on Thursday.
"Coming out of the [Cowboys] game, the thing that was really disappointing was obviously how we played in the run game," defensive coordinator James Bettcher said. "It put us in some tough second downs, easy first down conversions. We have to do a better job of gap leverage. We have to do a better job coaching in those situations and we have to do a better job executing."
The good news: The Jets offense has 16 plays of 20+ yards, the fewest in the NFL entering Week 10.
3. Ball security
This will continue to make the list until it is fixed. The Giants need to do a better job of protecting the football. They have turned the ball over a league-high 22 times entering Week 10, including 16 (eight interceptions, eight fumbles) from rookie quarterback Daniel Jones.
"The biggest thing is when you're in the pocket and you're not throwing the ball, until you're throwing the ball, keep two hands on it," offensive coordinator Mike Shula said. "Obviously, you want to keep it in front. But there are sometimes you just can't help it. The best way you can get it where you're not getting the ball stripped out is get the ball out faster. So, that's us. That's not just the quarterback. That's us. That's designing plays where the ball gets out faster, getting open faster, protecting a little bit longer, getting your reads quicker, all of those things come into it."
The good news: The Jets are 27th in the league with a minus-seven turnover differential.
View rare photos from the local rivalry between the Giants and Jets.
New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs (27) yells at New York Jets' Muhammad Wilkerson (96) as referees separate them during the third quarter of an NFL preseason football game, Monday, Aug. 29, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J.
New York Giants Joe Morrison (40) tugs away from New York Jets Steve Tannen to score the Giants first touchdown, Sunday, Aug. 23, 1970, New Haven, Conn. Morrison scored on a pass from quarterback Fran Tarkenton. (AP Photo)
New York Jets Al Woodall (62) during a game against the New York Giants on November 1, 1970 at Shea Stadium in Flushing, New York. New York Giants beat the New York Jets 22-10. Al Woodall played for 5 season, all with the New York Jets and was a 1-time Pro Bowler.(David Durochik via AP)
New York Giants Tucker Fredrickson lead blocks for New York Giants Fran Tarkenton (10) during a game against the New York Jets on November 1, 1970 at Shea Stadium in Flushing, New York. New York Giants beat the New York Jets 22-10. Tucker Fredrickson played for 6 years all with the New York Giants and was a 1-time Pro Bowler. Fran Tarkenton played for 18 season with 2 different teams. He was a 9-time Pro Bowler and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986.(David Durochik via AP)
New York Giants Willie Young (69) during a game against the New York Jets on November 1, 1970 at Shea Stadium in Flushing, New York. New York Giants beat the New York Jets 22-10. Willie Young played for 10 years all with the New York Giants.(David Durochik via AP)
.New York Giants Carl Lockhart (43) during a game against the New York Jets on November 1, 1970 at Shea Stadium in Flushing, New York. New York Giants beat the New York Jets 22-10. Carl Lockhart played for 11 years all with the New York Giants and was a 2-time Pro Bowler.(David Durochik via AP)
New York Jets cornerback Earlie Thomas (45) and Giants defensive back Ken Parker (26) square off in third quarter melee that developed after the Jets ended a 65-yard drive by stopping the Giants' Tucker Frederickson for no gain at the one-foot line, Nov. 1, 1970. Giants rolled to a 22-10 victory over the Jets, in their historic first meeting. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
New York Jets coach Weeb Ewbank bellows into microphone on sidelines during first quarter of game with the New York Giants at Shea Stadium, Nov. 1, 1970. Joe Namath, out with an injury, his bandaged hand in his pocket, is at left. Wayne Stewart (89) stands next to Ewbank. (AP Photo)
New York Jets coach Joe Walton, right, greets New York Giants coach Bill Parcells following their game Dec. 27, 1987, E. Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Susan Ragan)
New York Giants' fullback Rob Carpenter takes the ball for a two-yard gain before being tackled by Kirk Springs of the New York Jets during first quarter action at Giants' Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Dec. 2, 1984. Bobby Bell (58) of the home team Jets follows up on the play. (AP Photo/Ron Frehm)
New York Jets defensive end Mark Gastineau (99) is seen in action during an NFL game against the New York Giants Dec. 2, 1984, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Chuck Solomon via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) is congratulated on the sideline after scoring on a 61-yard touchdown during the first quarter Sunday, Dec. 5, 1999, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Head coach Jim Fassel, right, shakes Toomer's hand as quarterback Kent Graham (10) pats him on the back and receiver Brian Alford (80) pats him on the head. Toomer scored three touchdowns as the Giants won 41-28. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants Mike Sherrard tries to outrun New York Jets Ronnie Lott during the first quarter of their pre-season game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Aug. 21, 1993. (AP Photo/Mike Albans)
New York Giants defensive end Lawrence Taylor r(56) rushes against the New York Jets in an NFL game in 1993. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
New York Giants running back Joe Montgomery (25) carries for an eight-yard gain before being stopped by New York Jets' Steve At water, bottom left, in the fourth quarter, Sunday, Dec. 5, 1999 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Montgomery carried the ball 38 times for 111 yards in the Giants 41-28 victory. Jets Dorian Boose reaches for Montgomery. (AP Photo/ Ron Frehm)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) outruns New York Jets linebacker Marvin Jones (55) as he goes 61 yards for a touchdown on a pass by quarterback Kerry Collins during the first quarter Sunday, Dec. 5, 1999, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants kicker Brett Conway kicks a 29-yard field goal with four seconds left in overtime to beat the New York Jets 31-28 Sunday, Nov. 2, 2003, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants Michael Matthews(88) and David Diehl(66) block New York Jets as Giants Brandon Jacobs runs with the ball during the fourth quarter of their football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)
New York Giants' Plaxico Burress, left, is congratulated by Rich Seubert after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets during the fourth quarter of their football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)
New York Jets Leon Washington, left, is grabbed by New York Giants Justin Tuck as Michael Strahan (92) reaches out during the first quarter of their football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)
New York Giants Jeremy Shockey is congratulated by Michael Matthews after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets during the third quarter of their football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning throws a pass while playing the New York Jets during the first quarter of their football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)
New York Giants' Jeremy Shockey breaks free of a tackle attempt by New York Jets' Kerry Rhodes to score a touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007. The Giants won 35-24. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)
New York Giants' Amani Toomer (81) catches a pass from quarterback Kerry Collins for a touchdown as New York Jets' Aaron Beasley (21) defends in the first half at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 2, 2003. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants kicker Brett Conway (9) is congratulated by holder Jeff Feagles (10) as teammates Wayne Lucier (62) and Visanthe Shiancoe (82) celebrate after Conway kIcked a 29-yard field goal in overtime to beat the New York Jets 31-28 Sunday, Nov. 2, 2003, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants field goal kicker Brett Conway (9) watches his kick that won the game for the Giants against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday Nov. 2, 2003. Holding is punter Jeff Feagles. The Giants beat the Jets 31-28. (AP Photo/Bernie Nunez)
New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin, right, shakes hands with New York Jets coach Eric Mangini after a preseason football game in this Aug. 25, 2007 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Victor Cruz catches a touchdown pass as he is tackled by New York Jets Marquice Cole during the fourth quarter of a preseason NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Aug. 16, 2010. The Giants won 31-16. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) talks with New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) during a preseason week 3 NFL football game on August 27, 2016 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, left, speaks with New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez after the Giants defeated the Jets 26-3 in a preseason NFL football game on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) celebrates the victory with quaterback Eli Manning (10) after an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Saturday December 24, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs yells during the second quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) is sacked by New York Giants' Cullen Jenkins (99) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants strong safety Deon Grant (34) tackles New York Jets tight end Dustin Keller (81) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants safety Antrel Rolle (26) celebrates the win after an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Saturday December 24, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning looks to throw during the first quarter of an NFL football game against New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz scores on a 99 yard touchdown catch during an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Saturday December 24, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants' Michael Boley, left, and Justin Tuck celebrate a sack by Tuck during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 29-14. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants punter Steve Weatherford celebrates during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 29-14. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) celebrates at the end of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 29-14. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Victor Cruz (80) runs 99 yards for a touchdown as the New York Jets sideline watches during the second quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning runs off the field at the end of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 29-14. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Kenny Phillips intercepts a pass during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Victor Cruz stiff-arms New York Jets' Dwight Lowery during the fourth quarter of a preseason NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Aug. 16, 2010. The Giants won 31-16. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
New York Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw steps in to the end zone to score a touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter of an NFL football game against New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Jason Pierre-Paul, top, sacks New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez during the second quarter of an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Jets' Darrelle Revis, right, looks over a New York Giants huddle during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
The New York Giants enter the field before an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Saturday December 24, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz scores on a 99 yard touchdown catch during an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Saturday December 24, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants' Victor Cruz jumps over a New York Jets defender while scoring 99-yard touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (3) makes a catch against the New York Jets in an preseason NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Monday August 16, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
In this Dec. 24, 2011, photo, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning looks to pass during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, in East Rutherford, N.J. With a running game that is last in the league, the Giants' offense must rely on the arm of Eli Manning in their playoff game scheduled for Jan. 8 against the Atlanta Falcons. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Fans during the first quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz makes a catch during an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Saturday December 24, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants huddle during the second quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Jets' Plaxico Burress (17) during the second quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs (27) yells at New York Jets' Muhammad Wilkerson (96) as referees separate them during the third quarter of an NFL preseason football game, Monday, Aug. 29, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. Both players were ejected after taking swings at each other. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Victor Cruz stiff-arms New York Jets' Dwight Lowery during the fourth quarter of a preseason NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Aug. 16, 2010. The Giants won 31-16. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
New York Giants' Victor Cruz, left, celebrates with Brandon Jacobs during the fourth quarter after scoring his second touchdown of a preseason NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Aug. 16, 2010. The Giants defeated the New York Jets 31-16. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants Antrel Rolle runs with the ball after an interception during the first quarter of a preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Aug. 16, 2010. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants' Victor Cruz catches a touchdown pass as he is tackled by New York Jets Marquice Cole during the fourth quarter of a preseason NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Aug. 16, 2010. The Giants won 31-16. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (3) makes a catch against the New York Jets in an preseason NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Monday August 16, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants linebacker Chase Blackburn (93) looks to make a tackle during an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Saturday December 24, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Bennie Fowler (18) celebrates with teammates, including Wayne Gallman (22) and Rhett Ellison (85), after scoring a touchdown during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants vs New York Jets Pre-Season Game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants vs New York Jets Pre-Season Game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants vs New York Jets Pre-Season Game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants vs New York Jets Pre-Season Game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) celebrates with Bennie Fowler (18) after they connected for a touchdown during the first half of the team's preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Michael Owens)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton, right, runs away from New York Jets' Nate Hairston for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets' Jamal Adams (33) chases New York Giants' Rhett Ellison (85) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Steven Ryan)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) rushes during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Steven Ryan)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks to pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) directs the offense during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets' Blessuan Austin (31) tackles New York Giants' Darius Slayton (86) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Steven Ryan)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley evades a tackle by New York Jets' Harvey Langi (44), Marcus Maye (20) and Brandon Copeland (51) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Steven Ryan)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) rushes during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Steven Ryan)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates with Darius Slayton (86) after Slayton scored a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Steven Ryan)
New York Giants' Oshane Ximines (53) tackles New York Jets' Le'Veon Bell (26) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Steven Ryan)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) runs away from New York Jets' Nate Hairston (21) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Leonard Williams (99) rushes toward New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) takes part in a week 10 regular season game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday November 10th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on theNew York Jets in a week 10 regular season game at MetLife Stadium on Sunday November 10th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) scores a touchdown in a week 10 regular season game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday November 10th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
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