The New York Giants will return to MetLife Stadium in Week 3 for the first of back-to-back home games, starting with a matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
Following a Week 1 win over the Cowboys, the Giants fell to the Rams, 28-6, in a Monday night game that saw Jaxson Dart suffer a season-ending knee injury.
The Titans, meanwhile, fell to the Jets at home, 23-10, in the season opener. In Week 2, they led the Eagles for much of the game before Jalen Hurts put together a touchdown drive in the final seconds to give Philadelphia the win.
Here are storylines to follow ahead of the Week 3 matchup.
Dart done for the regular season
The Giants were dealt a tough blow Monday night. On the final play of the opening drive, Dart got hit by two Rams defenders from both sides. The impact of the hit caused a knee injury that will now force him to miss the remainder of the regular season.
"He's determined," coach John Harbaugh said about Dart on Wednesday. "He's bummed. It's hard. The season's not over, but it is for him. And we kind of talked about that too, that was part of it. That was part of the deal, it's like injuries, there's a certain mourning that takes place. We had the same thing for Calvin (Austin III), and even over the years – because you realize how hard it is for the player, really. But it's tough on the team, it's tough on all of us.
"But as we said, you wake up and you feel like it's the end of the world. Then you wake up and the world's not done. The world keeps spinning. The games keep getting played. Nobody feels sorry for you. It's time to go play the next game. Sunday at one o'clock, the ball's going to get kicked off, and we're going to have to be the best football team we can be. And that's the thing, it's not a one-man game. Not like tennis, you don't forfeit. We're going to have our team out there. The Giants are going to roll out into that field out there and play the football game. And we need to be the best Giants we can be. And that's really the message that you have."
During the Week 1 victory over the Cowboys, Dart became the first quarterback in NFL history with at least three passing touchdowns, 50 rushing yards and a passer rating of 130 in the season opener. Prior to getting hurt against the Rams, he completed three of five passes for 20 yards before getting hurt on the seventh play of the opening drive.
Next man up
Starting in place of Dart will be Jameis Winston, who has plenty of experience under his belt. Winston has played in 109 games with 89 starts over his 12-year NFL career and has totaled 24,903 passing yards, 156 touchdowns and 114 interceptions.
In relief of Dart on Monday night, he finished with 111 yards, no touchdowns and one interception while completing 40.7 percent of his passes. However, the 32-year-old quarterback performed well with his two starts last season. Starting against the Packers and Lions in back-to-back weeks, Winston threw for 567 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions while adding an additional score on the ground and another as a receiver.
"A big part of it is building a game plan now for Jameis," Harbaugh told the media Wednesday. "He'll be the starter. So, build the game plan for Jameis to suit his skill set. The game plan this last week was built for Jaxson, obviously. So, this will be an opportunity to do that, and that's exactly what we'll do. We'll build around all the things that he does well that are in the offense, which is – there's plenty in the offense. And then, of course, how to attack Tennessee and their defense and what they do, so that's what we'll be doing."
The Giants recently signed Wintson to a two-year contract extension which will keep him with the team through the 2028 season.
"It's truly a privilege," the veteran quarterback said about now being the starter. "I had this privilege for two games last year. It truly was an honor. But for this game alone, my focus is on being my very best, going out there and having elite fundamentals and precise execution. And that's what it starts with, and it's as simple as that. No matter how big it may seem, being present and focused on doing all that you can do with what you have, with where you are. For right now, that's keeping Jaxson's spirits uplifted and going out there on that football field and being the New York Football Giants starting quarterback right now."
Injury notes
Dart wasn't the only Giant to deal with an injury in Los Angeles Monday. Wide receiver Malik Nabers briefly left the game with a shoulder injury, although he was able to return and play the rest of the game. He finished with just one reception for one yard, and was listed as a limited participant in the first practice of the week Wednesday.
"It looks good," Harbaugh said about Nabers' status. "I think he's going to be okay. It looks pretty good."
Sticking on the offense, left tackle Andrew Thomas suffered a groin injury that forced him to miss the end of the game. Similar to Nabers, the starting left tackle was also projected as a limited participant in Wednesday's walkthrough practice.
The defense also saw a key member go down when outside linebacker Brian Burns had his ankle rolled up on in the fourth quarter. Burns was helped off the field and listed as questionable to return, although he did not step back on the field. Harbaugh described the veteran edge rusher as day-to-day.
"We are definitely blessed with depth at that position for sure," the head coach said about the team's outside linebackers. "So, Brian's day-to-day right now, we'll see how it goes for the game. But if he can't go, then we are very confident, to your point, in the guys that we have."
'We've got to focus on us'
The Giants' defense will look to bounce back this week against the Titans. During their Week 1 loss to the Jets, the Titans scored just 10 points and totaled 195 yards of offense as they struggled to get anything going. But the unit took a step in the right direction this past week against a tough Eagles defense. Cam Ward completed 13 of 20 passes for 183 yards and a 94.4 passer rating while adding two touchdowns on the ground. Meanwhile, Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears combined for 105 yards on 21 carries to go with three receptions for 30 yards. This resulted in the Titans finishing with 20 points and 291 total yards, a big improvement from the season opener.
On the other side, after limiting the Cowboys' high-powered offense in the season opener, the Giants' defense gave up 327 passing yards and four touchdowns to Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. Additionally, the run game allowed Kyren Williams and Blake Corum to combine for 162 yards on 24 carries (6.8 yards per attempt).
"They've got a great, young quarterback, they're building their identity," Harbaugh said about the Titans offense. "They're looking for their identity, just like all the teams are in that situation. But we've got to focus on us. We've got to focus on us and how we play. Playing the kind of football that we want to play, being the kind of team that we need to be. Making sure that we all understand that vision and what that looks like, and then basically growing into that vision. That's really, I'd say, the main focus. And then with that, understanding what they do offensively and defensively and all that, and make sure we're ready for it."
Of course, the Titans will have a couple of familiar faces returning to MetLife Stadium this weekend. Former Jets head coach Robert Saleh returns to East Rutherford, along with former Giants head coach Brian Daboll, who is serving as Tennessee's offensive coordinator, along with several other former Giants assistant coaches on the Titans' offensive staff.
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)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Sterling Shepard (3)
Saquon Barkley (26)
