The Giants will try to bounce back from Monday's close loss to the Chiefs when they welcome the Las Vegas Raiders to MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
Playing on Monday Night Football for the first time this season, the Giants lost a close one to the defending AFC Champions. The defense forced two Chiefs turnovers while holding their offense to 5-of-12 on third down, but a late Harrison Butker field goal sealed the 20-17 victory for Kansas City.
The Raiders enter this matchup after their bye week in Week 8. Prior to the time off, Las Vegas had won two consecutive games, defeating the Broncos by 10 and Eagles by 11, to improve their record to 5-2. The two recent wins came with Interim Head Coach Rich Bisaccia at the helm.
Here are five story lines to follow in the Week 9 matchup.
Going into the bye on a high note
The Giants lost a tough one last week, but never trailed by more than a touchdown. They were unable to pull off the upset as they lost on a 34-yard field goal with just over a minute remaining. Five of the Giants' final eight games following the bye are against teams who currently sport a record under .500. A win against the Raiders would give the Giants some nice momentum heading into the bye and the second half of the season.
"It's a big week for us," said quarterback Daniel Jones. "They all are. With the bye coming up, it's a big game for us and we'll approach it like we do for all games and make sure we're prepared and ready to go."
Awaiting injury, COVID statuses
The Giants have been dealing with a rash of injuries among their offensive playmakers in recent weeks. Wide receiver Sterling Shepard (hamstring) had missed three of the previous four games before returning for Week 8, while Kadarius Toney (ankle) was hurt early in Week 6 before missing the following week. Both receivers made it back for the game Monday, but neither was able to play the full allotment of snaps. Shepard departed the game early with a quad injury, while Toney only played 57 percent of snaps due to his ankle injury and his hand getting stepped on by a Chiefs defender.
It remains to be seen if those two receivers will make it back in time for Sunday's game, and the team is also uncertain about two of its other star players. Running back Saquon Barkley and wide receiver Kenny Golladay have both missed the last three games and have yet to return to practice.
In addition to the injuries, the Giants have three players in the COVID protocol: Barkley, defensive back Xavier McKinney and offensive lineman Matt Skura. Running backs coach Burton Burns was also among those who tested positive.
"As a team, we've done a really good job of the guys following the protocols and staying committed to it," Judge exclaimed. "I think the thing that's really shown up a lot more this year than last year is obviously with being vaccinated with the protocols being what they are, which are obviously a lot more relaxed than last year, you've still got to be very vigilant in terms of what you're doing outside the building and a lot of times it comes to you.
"Now look, Burton Burns tested positive and the first thing he said to me is he was apologetic. He doesn't go anywhere. Burton goes from his apartment to here. He gets on the team plane and he goes to the hotel and he doesn't leave when he gets to the hotel, so he's only been places with the team. As I told Burton, I said the one thing about this whole deal is you don't have to go somewhere to get it, it can come to you. You never know where it goes. So we've just got to do a good job of just staying up on symptoms, reporting symptoms. We do our testing as the league mandates and just making sure we communicate with the trainers and we stay in compliance with all the protocols."
Capitalize in the red zone
The Giants improved their red zone numbers this past week, scoring touchdowns on two of three trips inside Kansas City 20. On their one unsuccessful trip, the offense got the ball inside the 10 but was unable to punch it in the end zone, settling for a 23-yard field goal by Graham Gano.
The Giants enter Week 9 ranked 31st in the league in red zone offense, scoring touchdowns on 11 of 23 trips. Las Vegas has allowed touchdowns on 15 of 18 opponent trips inside the red zone, with its 83.3 percentage ranking 31st. Their last time on the field, the Raiders allowed the Philadelphia Eagles to score on three of its four chances.
View rare photos of the history between the Giants and Raiders ahead of their Week 9 matchup.
JIm Otto (00) of the Oakland Raiders is pictured in action during Sunday's game against the New York Giants in Oakland, Ca., on Nov. 5, 1973. (AP Photo)
New York Giants Lawrence Taylor (56) breaks a block during the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Raiders in Los Angeles, California on November 27, 1983. Raiders won the game 27-12. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants Lawrence Taylor (56) moves toward the play during the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Raiders in Los Angeles, California on November 27, 1983. The Raiders won the game 27-12. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) runs upfield against the New York Giants in 1983. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Floyd Eddings (88) evades tacklers during the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Raiders in Los Angeles, California on November 27, 1983. The Raiders won the game 27-12. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Los Angeles Raiders Howie Long (75) wrestles with an opponent during the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Raiders in Los Angeles, California on November 27, 1983.The Raiders won the game 27-12. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Los Angeles Raiders' Jim Plunkett is dogged by New York Giants' George Martin, Sunday, Sept. 22, 1986 during NFL game at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (AP Photo/Lennox McLendon)
Los Angeles Raider Jim Plunkett (16), the oldest quarterback in the NFL, gets popped from behind by New York Giants' Andy Headen, forcing an early turnover during first-half action at the Coliseum in Los Angeles, Sept. 21, 1986. Also in on the play are Giants' Jerome Sally (78), and Raiders' Mickey Marvin. (AP Photo/Bob Galbraith)
Los Angeles Raiders quarterback Jim Plunkett (16) is dogged by New York Giants George Martin during their game at the Coliseum in Los Angeles, Sept. 22, 1986. (AP Photo/Lennox Mclendon)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) raises his arms and calls an audible during the NFL football game against the Los Angeles Raiders on December 24, 1989 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 34-17. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Ottis "OJ" Anderson (24) runs the ball during the NFL football game against the Los Angeles Raiders on December 24, 1989 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 34-17. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor (56) chases Los Angeles Raiders running back Bo Jackson (34) during the NFL football game against the Los Angeles Raiders on Dec. 24, 1989 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 34-17. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Los Angeles Raiders quarterback Steve Beuerlein (7) and New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (7) chat following a 34-17 Giants victory on December 24, 1989, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Los Angeles Raiders' quarterback Steve Beuerlein (7) is sacked for a nine yard loss by New York Giants' Johnie Cooks in the first quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Dec. 24, 1989. (AP Photo/Tim Clary)
New York Giants fullback Maurice Carthon (44) get tackled from behind by Los Angeles Raiders defensive end Mike Wise (90) during the NFL football game against the Los Angeles Raiders on Dec. 24, 1989 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 34-17. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants running back Ottis Anderson (24) runs the ball during the NFL game against the Oakland Raiders on December 24, 1989 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 34-17. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Los Angeles Raiders running back Eric Dickerson (29) is pursued by New YOrk Giants defensive back Mark Collins (25) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 1992, in Los Angeles. The Raiders defeated the Giants 13-10. (Kirby Lee via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor (56) runs in pursuit during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Raiders at the Los Angeles Coliseum on October 4, 1992. The Raiders defeated the Giants 13-10. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
New York Giants Phil Simms (11) in action during a game against the Los Angeles Raiders on October 4, 1992 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. The Raiders beat the Giants 13-10.(AP Photo/David Durochik)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) sets up to pass during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Raiders, Oct. 4, 1992. The Raiders defeated the Giants 13-10 at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (AP Photo/NFL Photos/Kevin Terrell)
Oakland Raiders vs. New York Giants at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, September 13, 1998. Raiders beat Giants 20-17. Oakland Raiders wide receiver Terry Mickens (85) get away from New York Giants linebacker Ryan Phillips (91). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
New York Giants quarterback Danny Kanell scrambles away from pressure against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants Tiki Barber runs for yardage against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan sacks Oakland Raiders quarterback Jeff George during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants defensive tackle Robert Harris runs through blockers as he rushes in against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants defensive end Jessie Armstead rushes in as he fights off a block by the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants linebacker Marcus Buckley lunges to make a tackle against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants quarterback Danny Kanell drops back as he looks to pass against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Oakland Raiders vs. New York Giants at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, September 13, 1998. Raiders beat Giants 20-17. New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) pulls way from Oakland Raiders linebacker Greg Biekert (54). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Oakland Raiders center Barett Robbins prepares to snap the ball against the New York Giants during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Oakland Raiders quarterback Jeff George throws a pass against the New York Giants during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Oakland Raiders vs. New York Giants at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, September 13, 1998. Raiders beat Giants 20-17. Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Chuck Osborne (98) rushes New York Giants quarterback Danny Kanell (13). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Oakland Raiders vs. New York Giants at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, September 13, 1998. Raiders beat Giants 20-17. Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Grady Jackson (90) attempts to hold on to New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Oakland Raiders tight end Rickey Dudley is tackled by New York Giants Tito Wooten (29) and Marcus Buckley (55) during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Oakland Raiders vs. New York Giants at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, September 13, 1998. Raiders beat Giants 20-17. New York Giants wide receiver Ike Hilliard (88). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Oakland Raiders vs. New York Giants at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, September 13, 1998. Raiders beat Giants 20-17. New York Giants full back Charles Way (30) gets away from Oakland Raiders linebacker Greg Biekert (54). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Oakland Raiders vs. New York Giants at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, September 13, 1998. Raiders beat Giants 20-17. New York Giants guard Greg Bishop (78) and tackle Roman Oben (72) touch hand before play starts. (AP Photo/Al Golub)
New York Giants wide receiver Ike Hilliard squeezes into the endzone for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, Sept. 13, 1998 in Oakland, Calif.(AP Photo/John Todd)
New York Giants kicker Morten Andersen kicks a 47 yard field goal in the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders Sunday, Nov. 25, 2001 in East Rutherford, N.J. The holder is Jason Garrett. Defending for the Raiders are defensive end Tony Bryant (94) and linebacker William Thomas (59). (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
New York Giants' cornerback Will Allen, left, breaks up a pass intended for the Oakland Raiders' Jerry Porter (84) in the first half of NFL football action on Saturday Dec. 31, 2005, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Wide receiver Plaxico Burress #17 of the New York Giants catches a pass while defended by Stanford Routt #26 of the Oakland Raiders at McAfee Coliseum on December 31, 2005 in Oakland, California. The Giants defeated the Raiders 30-21. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Brad Badger #70 of the Oakland Raiders blocks Nick Greisen #54 of the New York Giants at McAfee Coliseum on December 31, 2005 in Oakland, California. The Giants defeated the Raiders 30-21. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Visanthe Shiancoe #82 of the New York Giants on a pass catch and run against the Oakland Raiders at McAfee Coliseum on December 31, 2005 in Oakland, California. The Giants defeated the Raiders 30-21. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Running back Tiki Barber #21 of the New York Giants runs the ball against the Oakland Raiders at McAfee Coliseum on December 31, 2005 in Oakland, California. The Giants defeated the Raiders 30-21. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants' running back Brandon Jacobs (27) gets into the end zone for a one-yard touchdown as quarterback Eli Manning, left, looks on against the Oakland Raiders in the second half of NFL football action on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005 in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
New York Giants' receiver Plaxico Burress, left, stiff-arms the Oakland Raiders' Renaldo Hill on his way to a 78-yard touchdown catch and run in the first half of NFL football action on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber (21) breaks through the Oakland Raiders' defense including cornerback Nnandi Asomugha, left, on his way to 95-yard rushing touchdown in the first half of NFL football on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005 in Oakland, Calif. The touchdown gave Barber a team-record of 50 rushing touchdowns. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
New York Giants' Kendrick Clancy, right, reaches to sack Oakland Raiders' quarterback Kerry Collins in the fourth quarter of their in NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005. The Giants won, 30-21. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Oakland Raiders' quarterback Kerry Collins, left, throws under pressure from the New York Giants' Michael Strahan, right, in the first half of NFL football action on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber, top, dives over Oakland Raiders' Jarrod Cooper in the third quarter of their in NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005. The Giants won, 30-21. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
New York Giants' Chad Morton (29) returns a punt for 58 yards to the three-yard line against the Oakland Raiders in the second half of NFL football action on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2005 in Oakland, Calif. New York won, 30-21. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) runs the ball 19 yards for his 2nd first quarter first touchdown that gives the Giants a 14-0 lead during the NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, October 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 44-7. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) runs the ball 19 yards for his 2nd first quarter first touchdown that gives the Giants a 14-0 lead during the NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, October 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 44-7. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka (94) strips Oakland Raiders quaterback JaMarcus Russell (2) during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday October 11, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
Oakland Raiders linebacker Thomas Howard (53) forces New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) outof bounds during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) makes a catch over Oakland Raiders defender Nnamdi Asomugha (21) during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday October 11, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith (12) makes a catch and gets tackled by defensive back Stanford Routt (26) against the Oakland Raiders during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday October 11, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw dodges a tackle by Oakland Raiders cornerback Chris Johnson during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks catches a pass with Oakland Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha defending in the third quarter during of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) reacts after Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell (2) fumbled the ball while being sacked during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants recovered the ball, on the way to a 44-7 win. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith catches a pass for 43 yards as Oakland Raiders cornerback Hiram Eugene defends in the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 44-7. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Oakland Raiders defensive end Jay Richardson (98) tackles New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Oakland Raiders' Jonathan Holland (23) is tackled by New York Giants' Jonathan Goff (54), Travis Beckum and Clint Sintim (97) on a punt return during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 44-7. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) talks with Oakland Raiders' Bruce Gradkowski (5) after an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) is tackled by Oakland Raiders' Tyvon Branch (33) and Hiram Eugene (31) during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 44-7. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell (2) is hit by New York Giants linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka (94) as he throws a pass during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell, left, is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Dave Tollefson during the third quarter during of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 44-7. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants offensive tackle David Diehl, center, blocks Oakland Raiders defensive end Richard Seymour (92) as New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning passes the ball during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw runs for a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell (2) is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck, left, during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. Russell fumbled the ball on the play which was recovered by Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter of an NFL football game as Oakland Raiders Mike Mitchell (34) looks on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) reacts after catching a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka (94) sacks and causes a fumble of Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) during a week 10 football game on November 10, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the Oakland Raiders in a week 10 football game on November 10, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle, left, catches a touchdown pass as Oakland Raiders cornerback Mike Jenkins (21) defends on the play during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka (94) forces a fumble on Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle keeps his feet in bounds as he catches a touchdown pass as Oakland Raiders cornerback Mike Jenkins (21) defends on the play during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Andre Brown (35) bounces off Oakland Raiders middle linebacker Nick Roach (53) as guard David Diehl (66) defends on the play during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) is tackled by Oakland Raiders free safety Charles Woodson (24) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) is hit by New York Giants outside linebacker Keith Rivers (55) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) tries to avoid New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) during the first half of NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle, left, runs with the ball with Oakland Raiders cornerback Mike Jenkins (21) in pursuit during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants players follow safety Cooper Taylor (30) while celebrating after Taylor picked up a blocked punt for a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Andre Brown runs with the ball against the Oakland Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) is tackled by Oakland Raiders strong safety Brandian Ross (29) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) is hit by New York Giants outside linebacker Keith Rivers (55) during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) runs with the ball after making a catch as Oakland Raiders cornerback Phillip Adams (28) tugs on his jersey during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) makes a catch during a week 10 football game against the Oakland Raiders on November 10, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) catches a pass as Oakland Raiders middle linebacker Nick Roach (53) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka (94) sacks and causes a fumble of Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) during a week 10 football game on November 10, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa (26) runs with the ball during a NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, December 3, 2017 in Oakland. The Raiders won the game 24-17. (Paul Jasienski via AP)
New York Giants' Shane Smith (43) tackles Oakland Raiders punter Marquette King (7) during the first half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa (26) runs against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa (26) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a week 9 football game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday November 8th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) intercepts a pass during a week 9 football game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday November 8th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Xavier McKinney (29)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a week 9 football game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday November 8th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Slowing down Derek Carr
The Raiders head into Week 9 with one of the top offenses in the NFL, ranking 9th in yards and 11th in points per game. A big reason for their offensive success is due to the play of quarterback Derek Carr. Through the first seven games of the season, the eighth-year veteran has thrown for 2,269 yards, 12 touchdowns and just five interceptions. Las Vegas' 307.9 net passing yards per game is the second-highest mark in the league.
Despite his success this year, Carr has thrown an interception in five of seven games. Over Las Vegas' two-game winning streak, the veteran quarterback has completed 80.3 percent of his passes for a total of 664 yards, four touchdowns and one interception, including an impressive 91.2 completion percentage against the Eagles in Week 7.
"He's got great command," defensive back Logan Ryan said. "That game against the Eagles was a clinic, an offensive clinic. He's got great command of his system and the quarterback has a lot on his plate at the line of scrimmage. I know in that system he's calling a lot of plays at the line of scrimmage. When he knows what you're in, he's calling a good play against that defense and he's taking the profit. He's an accurate thrower, he's a smart thrower of the football, he's taking care of the ball.
"Like I said, he's operating the quarterback position at one of the highest levels in the league right now. You've got to give him his respect. Again, a staple of what we do is we've got to make it difficult on him pre-snap in what he does and what he's seeing, and not let it be the truth all the time, only the truth some of the times. Make him hopefully check in some plays that aren't ideal, so he does worse than 31 of 34."
Going up against former MVP Patrick Mahomes last week, the Giants held up well, limiting Mahomes to a 60.4 completion percentage for 275 yards, one touchdown and one interception. His 74.6 passer rating was his third-lowest of the season, while he threw fewer than two touchdown passes for just the second time all year.
Key matchups
The Raiders have playmakers throughout their offense, starting in the backfield. Starting running back Josh Jacobs left the Week 7 game against the Eagles early with a chest injury. Backup Kenyan Drake has proven to be effective when needed. The two backs have combined for seven rushing touchdowns and the team's eight total rushing scores is tied for ninth in the league.
Tight end Darren Waller leads the team with 53 targets, of which he has caught 33 of them for 378 yards and two touchdowns. Carr has also thrown two touchdowns to the team's second tight end, Foster Moreau, while Jacobs and Drake have combined for 32 receptions for 297 yards and an additional score.
"The one thing that jumps out offensively in terms of how their playing is they're really using the backs and the tight ends as weapons," Coach Judge told the media Wednesday. "They're being very committed to being very balanced and taking the profit. They have shots down the field. Obviously, one of the top teams in shot plays and down the field explosive plays, but that really comes as a result from how they can run the ball consistently and take the gimme pass plays consistently and make you really defend everything on the field."
The Giants did an outstanding job of containing Kansas City's Travis Kelce , limiting the All-Pro tight end to just four receptions for 27 yards with a fumble. However, Chiefs running backs made a big impact in the passing game, catching all six targets for 61 yards.
The Raiders will be without their leading receiver on the year as Henry Ruggs (24 receptions for 469 yards) was released this week after his arrest in Las Vegas. Hunter Renfrow (38 receptions for 399 yards) and Bryan Edwards (18 receptions for 346 yards) have shined at times this season.
Single Game Tickets
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