It's been over half a year since GM Joe Schoen and Coach Brian Daboll were brought in to turn things around for the Giants. After a long wait, the regular season is finally here as the Giants open up the 2022 season with a road contest against the Tennessee Titans this Sunday.
The Giants went 2-1 in the preseason, defeating the New England Patriots and Cincinnati Bengals before falling to the New York Jets in the finale. The team's starters only saw limited action in those three games, so the Week 1 matchup will serve as the first real opportunity for the Giants to showcase their new offensive and defensive systems, led by OC Mike Kafka and DC Wink Martindale.
Here are five storylines to follow in Week 1:
1. Daboll/Kafka offense debut
There's no denying the Giants offense struggled in 2021 and it played a big role in Brian Daboll and Mike Kafka being brought in from Buffalo and Kansas City, respectively, to help transform the unit.
Although it was only a limited sample size, the offense put up a good performance during the preseason. The Giants finished the three-game slate ranked first in the NFL in total yards (382.7) and passing yards (279.0) per game. They also finished at the top of the NFC in passing attempts (143), completion percentage (71.3 percent) and fewest sacks allowed (three).
Two of the most important pieces to the offense's success this year are quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Saquon Barkley. After they missed some time during the 2021 campaign, both players enter the season healthy and ready to do whatever it takes to help the team win.
"I think it's a versatile system.," Jones said Tuesday. "I think it allows the quarterback to do a lot in the pocket, outside the pocket, in the run game. It allows us to get into advantageous looks depending on what the defense does, easily getting in and out of plays. I think from all those perspectives, it's very quarterback friendly for any quarterback. I've certainly enjoyed working with (Coach Daboll)…
"He's just always thinking, he's always thinking about a new way to run this play or a new way to motion something or shift something or set it up – and that's constant with him. It's in the cafeteria, it's through the hallways, obviously in meeting rooms. He's always thinking, coming up with new ideas. That's been fun, you learn a lot that way as I am learning the system, but also the way he thinks about football, how he sees offense and setting us up to be successful. It's been fun working with him."
View photos from practice as the Giants prepare for the season opener against the Titans.
Saquon Barkley (26)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Daniel Bellinger (82)
Julian Love (20)
Daniel Jones (8)
Adoree' Jackson (22)
Kenny Golladay (19), Darnay Holmes (30)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Gary Brightwell (23)
Matt Breida (31)
Austin Allen (46)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Trenton Thompson (39)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Tyrod Taylor (2)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Julian Love (20)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Daniel Bellinger (82)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Chris Myarick (85)
Daniel Jones (8)
Kadarius Toney (89)
Trenton Thompson (39)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Kadarius Toney (89)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Sandro Platzgummer (34)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Richie James (80)
Austin Allen (46)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Saquon Barkley (26)
David Sills V (13)
Darius Slayton (86)
Darius Slayton (86)
Kadarius Toney (89)
Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
Aaron Robinson (33)
Cor'Dale Flott (28)
Nick McCloud (44)
Cor'Dale Flott (28)
Matt Breida (31)
Cor'Dale Flott (28)
Mike Kafka Offensive Coordinator
Cor'Dale Flott (28)
Cor'Dale Flott (28)
Jon Feliciano (76)
Carter Coughlin (52)
Fabian Moreau (37)
Jon Feliciano (76)
Adoree' Jackson (22)
Kadarius Toney (89)
Mike Kafka Offensive Coordinator
Tyrod Taylor (2)
Jon Feliciano (76)
Kadarius Toney (89)
Daniel Jones (8)
Micah McFadden (41)
Daniel Jones (8), Saquon Barkley (26)
Kadarius Toney (89)
2. Who starts at left guard on the revamped O-line?
It was clear upon Joe Schoen's arrival that bolstering the offensive line was one of his top priorities. The Giants signed several veteran linemen in free agency before they added a few more in the draft. Of the nine offensive linemen currently on the 53-man roster, only Andrew Thomas, Ben Bredeson and Devery Hamilton are returning from last year's squad, with Thomas as the only incumbent starter.
With Shane Lemieux on injured reserve for at least the first four games, the starting left guard position is up for grabs. On the first unofficial depth chart of the regular season, Bredeson manned the spot with rookie Joshua Ezeudu behind him. Bredeson was the team's highest graded linemen in the preseason with his 88.8 overall grade from PFF, including an elite 91.5 grade on 23 run block snaps, against the Patriots
"I'm comfortable with the players," Daboll said about the O-line. "They've been working hard. Everybody that we put out there, I'm comfortable with. That's why they're on the team. I'd say that you're never comfortable going into a game ever. You're always trying to cross your 'T's and dot your 'I's, and they have a very good defensive front, and we're going to have to play really well."
The Giants got strong performances from the starters during the preseason. Jon Feliciano (82.2), Mark Glowinski (82.1) and Andrew Thomas (80.8) all received strong pass block grades. Feliciano (22 pass block snaps) and Thomas (21 pass block snaps) did not surrender a single pressure, while Glowinski surrendered just one hurry on 37 pass block snaps. Meanwhile, Evan Neal received a 95.8 pass blocking efficiency on his 37 snaps in pass protection.
3. Latest on Kayvon, Azeez & other injuries
The status of outside linebackers Kayvon Thibodeaux (knee) and Azeez Ojulari (leg) remain up in the air heading into the season opener. Daboll didn't have an update regarding their availability for the game, but both were limited participants at Wednesday's practice.
"I've been rehabbing. It's day to day right now," Thibodeaux said on Tuesday. "I've just been working, trying to get better to get back in shape and get it going... I've just got to be able to practice. If you don't practice, you don't play. Me just being able to get out there, get some work and do everything that I need to do the time I need to get my job done."
In addition to the two outside linebackers, it remains to be seen if wide receiver Sterling Shepard will suit up in Nashville. Shepard is recovering from last year's Achilles injury and was also listed as a limited participant on Wednesday's injury report, along with rookie safety Dane Belton.
Injury Report 9/7
Limited: OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (Knee), OLB Azeez Ojulari (Calf), WR Sterling Shepard (Achilles), S Dane Belton (Clavicle)
4. Rookies debut in prominent roles on depth chart
As a reminder, the unofficial depth chart is always subject to change. It simply serves as a guide, more so for the media than the coaches. That being said, the first depth chart of the regular season featured a couple of rookies in prominent roles.
Evan Neal will start at right tackle, which is hardly a surprise after the Giants selected him with the No. 7 overall pick. Wan'Dale Robinson (No. 43 overall) is listed as one of the starting wide receivers, while Daniel Bellinger (No. 112) is the starter at tight end. Additionally, Joshua Ezeudu (No. 67) is on the depth chart as the backup at both left tackle and left guard.
On the defensive side of the ball, only Kayvon Thibodeaux (No. 5) is currently listed in the starting lineup. However, he is not the only rookie that could have a key role on the defense early in the season. Following the release of Blake Martinez, Micah McFadden (No. 146) is in competition for one of the starting inside linebacker positions after his strong preseason performance.
Dane Belton (No. 114), who missed the entire preseason with an injury, is also listed as the backup to both Xavier McKinney and Julian Love, while Cor'Dale Flott (No. 81) is the backup at all three cornerback positions.
5. Scouting the Titans
It's pretty clear the Titans offense revolves around Derrick Henry. Henry has been perhaps the best running back in the NFL over the last few seasons. He rushed for 1,540 yards and 16 touchdowns, with an average of 5.1 yards per carry, in 2019. The following year, he put up a jaw-dropping 2,027 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground, with averages of 5.4 yards per carry and 126.7 yards per game, on his way to being named Offensive Player of the Year. A foot injury derailed Henry's 2021 campaign, but not before he picked up 937 yards and 10 touchdowns in just eight games. Coach Brian Daboll knows that slowing down the talented, bruising running back will be one of the biggest priorities for the defense.
"It's well documented what he's done so far. He's just a really good football player," Daboll said. "I know him as a person, too. I met him down a few times in Alabama. Got a ton of respect for him as a man and certainly as a player. He's one heck of a player. You name it, he can do it…
"We're going to have to have all hands-on deck and do the best job we can of running to the football and gang tackling, and you even see him on plays, he might have three or four guys on him, and somehow, he squirts through. He's just a unique player. He's very, very good."
On the other side of the ball, the Titans have a couple of outstanding defenders coming off All-Pro seasons, one up front and one in the secondary. DL Jeffery Simmons registered 8.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, 16 quarterback hits and 62 total pressures in this third season last year on his way to being named second-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowler.
Then there is S Kevin Byard, who is coming off a stellar 2021 campaign. Byard was selected to his second career Pro Bowl and was named first team All-Pro for the second time. He recorded five interceptions, 13 passes defensed, two forced fumbles, two defensive touchdowns and 88 total tackles (57 solo) and didn't miss a game. His 90.4 overall grade and 90.9 coverage grade from PFF were the highest grades among all safeties, while his 83.8 run defense grade was also among the top marks at the position.
View rare photos of the all-time history between the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans.
Quarterback Archie Manning of the Houston Oilers loses the ball as he is sacked by George Martin of the New York Giants in the final minutes of their game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Dec. 5, 1982.
Houston Oilers quarterback Warren Moon is sacked for a five yard loss by New York Giants Leonard Marshall, left, and Corey Miller in the second quarter at Giants Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21, 1991 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won 24-20. (AP Photo/Mark Phillips)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) takes a snap during the NFL football game against the Houston Oilers on Dec. 21, 1991 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 24-20. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Mark Ingram (82) runs upfield during a 20 to 24 Houston Oilers loss to the New York Giants on December 21, 1991 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) catches a pass as he is defended by Tennessee Titans cornerback Dainon Sidney (37) in the fourth quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2000 in Nashville, Tenn. Toomer gained 40 yards on the play. The Titans won 28-14. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Keith Hamilton #75 of the New York Giants fights off a block during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on September 30, 2000 in Nashville. The Titans won 28-14. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Jesse Armstead #98 of the New York Giants pursues on a play against the Tennessee Titans during an NFL football game on September 30, 2000 in Nashville. The Titans won 28-14. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) is hit by Tennessee Titans safety Perry Phenix (35) after Barber caught a pass for a 6-yard gain in the first quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2000 in Nashville, Tenn. At left is line judge Mike Spanier. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair (9) is dropped for a 4-yard loss as he is sacked by New York Giants defensive tackle Keith Hamilton (75) in the third quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2000 in Nashville, Tenn. Also defending for the Giants are Cedric Jones (94) and Ryan Phillips (91). (AP Photo/John Russell)
New York Giants Michael Strahan during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in East Rutherford,NJ at Giants Stadium Sunday, Dec.1, 2002. (AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George (27) looks for running room as New York Giants linebacker Brandon Short (53) and defensive tackle Lance Legree (70) pursue during the first quarter Sunday, Dec. 1, 2002, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. George gained 64 yards on 20 attempts and scored a touchdown as the Titans beat the Giants 32-29 in overtime. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants Michael Strahan during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in East Rutherford,NJ at Giants Stadium Sunday, Dec.1, 2002. (AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith (12) makes a catch and looks to fend off cornerback Cortland Finnegan (31) of the Tennessee Titans in a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants play against the Tennessee Titans in a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants' Antrel Rolle (26) talks with teammate Kenny Phillips (21)during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive lineman Chris Canty (99) tries to block a field goal attempt by the Tennessee Titans in a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running backs Brandon Jacobs (27) celebrate Ahmad Bradshaws (44) 2nd quarter touchdown against the Tennessee Titans in a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quaterback Eli Manning (10) points out the coverage against the Tennessee Titans in a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) makes a catch against the Tennessee Titans in a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Titans won the game 29-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a pass as Tennessee Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan (31) defends during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Titans won the game 29-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
The Tennessee Titans, left, line up against the New York Giants during the third quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Jamie Winborn, left, tries to stop New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning yells during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Jamie Winborn, left, tries to stop New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss runs the ball during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw runs during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young, left, during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) tries to get through Tennessee Titans defense during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning yells during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka, left, reacts during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) reacts to scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) reacts to scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss (89) breaks a tackle from Tennessee Titans' Jamie Winborn (52), below, as Titans' Jason McCourty (30) pursues during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) evades a tackle by Tennessee Titans' Michael Griffin (33) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quaterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans in a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) is tackled by Tennessee Titans' Will Witherspoon (92) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin shakes hands with Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher after a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) is tackled by Tennessee Titans Will Witherspoon (92) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) is tackled by Tennessee Titans Will Witherspoon (92) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka (94) reacts after sacking Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young during the first quarter of an NFL football game as Titans' Jake Scott (73) looks on at New Meadowlands Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) gives a pass rush against the Tennessee Titans in a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Andre Williams (44) scores a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans on a 50-yard run in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. At left is Tennessee Titans linebacker Wesley Woodyard (59). (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes the football during a Week 14 NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in Nashville, Tennessee on Sunday, December 7, 2014. The Giants defeated the Titans 36-7. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) tries to get past Tennessee Titans cornerback Jason McCourty (30) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle (26) breaks up a pass intended for Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) during a week 14 football game against the on December 7, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes against the Tennessee Titans in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants running back Andre Williams (44) carries the ball during a week 14 football game against the Tennessee Titans on December 7, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes as Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey (99) rushes in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) runs against the Tennessee Titans in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) leaps past Tennessee Titans safety George Wilson (21) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell (84) gets past Tennessee Titans defensive back Marqueston Huff (28) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger (7) passes as he is hit by New York Giants defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (95) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) catches a 15-yard touchdown pass ahead of Tennessee Titans cornerback Jason McCourty (30) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes as Tennessee Titans nose tackle Sammie Lee Hill (94) rushes in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Jake Locker (10) is sacked by New York Giants defensive back Mike Harris (37) for a 10-yard loss in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. The Giants won 36-7. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
New York Giants middle linebacker Jameel McClain (53) sacks Tennessee Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger (7) during a week 14 football game on December 7, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (21) intercepts a pass during a week 14 football game against the Tennessee Titans on December 7, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell (84) is dragged down by Tennessee Titans safety Michael Griffin (33) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger (7) is sacked by New York Giants outside linebacker Devon Kennard (59) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. Mettenberger was injured on the play and left the game. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) is brought down by Tennessee Titans safety Lamont Thompson, center, and linebacker Stephen Tulloch (55) in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive back Brandon Harris (32) pushes New York Giants wide receiver Preston Parker (83) out of bounds in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls a play against the Tennessee Titans in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
New York Giants running back Andre Williams (44) scores a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans on a 50-yard run in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. At left is Tennessee Titans safety George Wilson (21). (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) protects the ball from Tennessee Titans safety Chris Hope (24) in the third quarter of an NFL football game in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006. (AP Photo/John Russell)
New York Giants free safety Quintin Demps (35) intercepts a pass intended for Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker, left, in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. The Giants won 36-7. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
