EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Aaron Robinson hopes to distinguish himself with many accomplishments in his NFL career, but for now he'll have to settle for being the first Giants player in memory to appear on an injury report after undergoing an appendectomy.
The second-year cornerback has had an unusual two-week affliction, but he expects to be in the starting lineup tomorrow when the Giants host the Chicago Bears in MetLife Stadium in the first of their two Legacy games.
"Everything feels good," Robinson said. "I've been out there working with the trainers the last couple of days, the last couple of weeks. Everything feels fine. Just I'm out there trying not to think about it but also protect myself the best I can. I think I'll be ready to go."
Defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson said, "He's had a good week. He's been into it. He was into it even when he was out. He would come and could barely move, and he was still in meetings taking notes, being locked in. That's what you love about the kid. He's always going to give you everything he's got. You never question that. We'll just see how it goes from here."
Robinson's ordeal began when he had what seemed to be a routine stomachache on Monday, Sept. 12, the day after he played 77 snaps (62 on defense, 15 on special teams) in the Giants' season-opening victory in Tennessee.
"I didn't think too much of it," Robinson said. "It carried over through the night into Tuesday, and then it was like, 'Something's not right.' I started poking at it, playing with it. The area where I was having the pain, I would poke at it – the right side – and it would kind of just feel iffy to me. It wasn't feeling right. And it carried over, and I was like, 'I got to hit up the trainers and ask them about it.'
"I ended up calling the trainers; they asked me some questions and told me, 'It's time to go to the ER.' So, right then and there, I was like, 'Oh man. What's going on?'"
Robinson, 24, was taken to Hackensack University Medical Center, where he learned his condition was more serious than an ordinary pain in the belly.
"They did their tests and told me I had a swollen appendix," he said. "They kept me overnight and told me if it didn't calm down, they were going to have to remove it. And that's what had to happen.
"It was definitely out of the blue. I'd never even heard of that (appendicitis) until that point. And I did some research, asked a million questions. And it was definitely surreal and shocking, to be honest."
The next day, doctors cut three small incisions in and near Robinson's stomach and removed his appendix. He went home that afternoon.
Robinson missed the Giants' first two home games, against Carolina and Dallas. Rookie Cor'Dale Flott started for him at right cornerback. Robinson is eager to return to the field tomorrow.
"It's been two weeks now," said Robinson. "I'm back out there for the first time competing with the team, and everything feels fine."
View rare photos of the all-time history between the New York Giants and Chicago Bears.
Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) gets tackled by New York Giants linebacker Harry Carson (53) during the NFL Divisional Playoff Game on January 5, 1986 in Chicago, Illinois. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
The Polo Grounds in New York were filled with 65,000 fans and 125 reporters to see the New York Giants take on the Chicago Bears, Dec. 6, 1925. (AP Photo/Pro Football Hall of Fame)
William Beattie "Big Chief" Feathers (48) of the Chicago Bears is off on an end run that resulted in no gain during a game against the New York Giants at the Polo Grounds in New York City Nov., 8, 1936. Number 3 of the Bears running interference is Bronislau "Bronko" Nagurski Bears won, 25-7. (AP Photo)
New York Giants and Chicago Bears in action during the National Football League Championship game on Dec. 17, 1933 at Wrigley Field in Chicago. (Pro Football Hall of Fame via AP)
An unidentified New York Giants player changes from cleats to athletic shoes during a 30 to 13 New York Giants victory over the Bears in the NFL Championship game played at the Polo Grounds on Dec. 9, 1934 in New York.(Pro Football Hall of Fame via AP Images)
Ward Cuff, New York Giants halfback, gets off a 42-yard goal against the Chicago Bears Oct. 31, 1937 at the Polo Grounds in New York City. The Bears and Giants played to a 3-3 tie. (AP Photo)
New York Giants halfback Tuffy Leemans (4) runs into some Chicago Bear tacklers as he returns a punt for 15 yards in a game before 50,000 at the Polo Grounds in New York City, Oct. 31, 1937. The Giants and Bears played to a 3-3 tie. (AP Photo)
Pro Football Hall of Fame Chicago Bears fullback Bronko Nagurski is tackled by fellow hall of famer Mel Hein of the Giants during a 30 to 13 New York Giants victory over the Bears in the NFL Championship game played at the Polo Grounds on Dec. 9, 1934 in New York. (Pro Football Hall of Fame via AP Images)
Chicago Bears back Beattie Feathers (48) is about to be tossed for loss by Giant Dale Burnett in game played on Oct. 31, 1937 at the Polo Grounds. Bears and Giants played to a 3-3 tie. (AP Photo)
Chicago Bears back Carl Brumbaugh pitches the football out to Pro Football Hall of Fame fullback Bronko Nagurski during a 30 to 13 New York Giants victory over the Bears in the NFL Championship game played at the Polo Grounds on Dec. 9, 1934 in New York. (Pro Football Hall of Fame via AP Images)
Coach Steve Owen, center, of the New York Giants, discusses the championship game with Chicago Bears quarterback Frank Filchock, left, and end Jim Poole during a workout at the Polo Grounds in New York, on December 11, 1946. (AP Photo)
Frank Filchock, Giants quarterback and passer, and Coach Steve Owen watch fourth quarter action in the Giants-Chicago Bears Championship playoff game in New York on Dec. 15, 1946. The Bears broke the 14-14 tie in the last period to win 24-14. (AP Photo)
Giants' Mel Triplett (33) picks up a block and then charges past Chicago Bears players and over umpire Sam Wilson for 17 yards and a touchdown - first of the game - at Yankee Stadium in New York City, Dec. 30, 1956. Giants routed Bears 4707 to take the NFL championship. Identifiable players are: Alex Webster (29), Stan Wallace (40). (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
Giants' Mel Triplett (33) picks up a block and then charges past Chicago Bears players and over umpire Sam Wilson for 17 yards and a touchdown - first of the game - at Yankee Stadium in New York City, Dec. 30, 1956. Giants routed Bears 47-7 to take the NFL championship. Identifiable players are: Jack Stroud (66), Alex Webster (29), Stan Wallace (40), McNeil Moore (29), and J.C. Caroline. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
Giants' Mel Triplett (33) picks up a block and then charges past Chicago Bears players and over umpire Sam Wilson for 17 yards and a touchdown - first of the game - at Yankee Stadium in New York City, Dec. 30, 1956. Giants routed Bears 4707 to take the NFL championship. Identifiable players are Ed Meadows (86), Roosevelt Brown (79), Jack Stroud (66), Alex Webster (29), Joe Fortunato (31), Wayne Hansen (51), Stan Wallace (40), McNeil Moore (29), Ray Smith (20) and J.C. Caroline. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
Wide receiver Don Hermann (85) of the New York Giants is pulled down by linebacker Lee Roy Caffey (60) of the Chicago Bears in first quarter action in New York, Sept. 19, 1970. The Bears won, 24-13. (AP Photo/Ron Frehm)
Larry Csonka of the New York Giants finds an arm around his neck as he is stopped after a fourth quarter gain at Giants Stadium by Tom Hicks and Gary Fencik of the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Dec. 19, 1977 in East Rutherford. Csonka had his most productive day this season with 100 yards in 22 attempts. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
Chicago Bears Walter Payton, center, pushes his way between New York Giants, Sunday, Dec. 18, 1977 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo)
Chicago Bears middle-linebacker Mike Singletary (50) closes in on New York Giants George Adams (33) in an NFC playoff game in Chicago, Ill., on January 7, 1986. (AP Photo /John Swart)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Marshall (70) pressures Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon (9) during the 1985 NFC Divisional Playoff Game in Chicago, Jan. 5, 1986. The Bears shutout the Giants 21-0. (AP Photo/Vernon Biever)
New York Giants running back Joe Morris (20) carries the football as Bears linebacker Mike Singletary (50) gives chase during the Giants 21 - 0 loss to the Chicago Bears in the 1985 NFC Divisional Playoff Game on January 5, 1986 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Chicago Bears running back Matt Suhey (26) carries the football before a tackle by New York Giants safety Kenny Hill (48) and linebacker Harry Carson (53) during the Bears 21 - 0 victory over the New York Giants in the 1985 NFC Divisional Playoff Game on Jan. 5, 1986 at Soldier Field in Chicago. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants running back Joe Morris (20) is stopped by Chicago Bears Richard Dent (95) and William Perry (72), as Chicago's defense held the Giants to 32 yards in the Bears 21-0 win during NFC playoff action, Sunday, Jan. 5, 1986 in Chicago, Ill. (AP Photo/Charlie Bennett)
New York Giants players try to block a kick in this general view of the action on the field at Soldier Field stadium during the NFL Divisional Playoff Game against the Chicago Bears on January 5, 1986 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears won the game in a 21-0 shutout. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) sets up to throw a pass during the Giants 21-0 loss to the Chicago Bears in the 1985 NFC Divisional Playoff Game on January 5, 1986 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants running back Joe Morris (20) makes short gain during NFC playoff, first half action against the Chicago Bears in Chicago, Ill., Sunday, Jan. 5, 1986. Bears defensive end Richard Dent (95) and line backer Otis Wilson (55) attempt to catch him as Giant guard Bill Ard (61) blocks. (AP Photo)
Everson Walls of the New York Giants breaks up a pass to Ron Morris of the Chicago Bears in the first quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Jan. 13, 1991. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) scrambles for yardage against the Chicago Bears during the third quarter in Chicago, Ill., Sept. 22, 1992. (AP Photo/Fred Jewell)
New York Giants wide receiver Joey Smith (88) is upended by Chicago Bears Dent Jones (53) in first quarter in Chicago, Sept. 21, 1992. Also on the tackle are Bears John Mangum and Maurice Douglas, right. (AP Photo/David Boe)
New York Giants wide receiver Ed McCaffrey is tackled after an eight-yard gain by Chicago Bears defenders Chris Zorich, rear, and Anthony Blaylock, right, during the second quarter at Soldier Field in Chicago, Sept. 5, 1993. (AP Photo/Fred Jewell)
Running back Rodney Hampton (27) of the New York Giants is grabbed around the waist by linebacker Dante Jones (53) of the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill., Sept. 5, 1993. Hampton lost six yards on the play. (AP Photo/John Swart)
New York Giants quarterback Jeff Hostetler does a little scrambling to avoid Chicago Bears Steve McMichael (rear) and Trace Armstrong (93) during third quarter action in NFL playoff game, Sunday, Jan. 14, 1991 at Giants Stadium, Rutherford. The giants won 31-3 behind Hostetler. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
New York Giants' quarterback Jeff Hostetler celebrates after throwing a first quarter touchdown pass to wide receiver Stephen Baker. Hostetler later ran for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Chicago Bears at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Sunday, Jan. 13, 1991. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
Chicago Bears Brad Muster (25) is stopped for a loss on fourth down by New York Giants John Washington (73) during a goal-line stand in the second quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Sunday, Jan. 13, 1991. The Bears failure to score was the beginning of a string of frustrations for Chicago. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
New York Giants running back Ottis "O.J." Anderson (24) is stopped by Chicago Bears' William "The Refrigerator" Perry in the third quarter of the NFC playoff game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Jan. 14, 1991. The Giants won 31-3. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
New York Giants head coach Bill Parcells receives a cooler full of Gatorade over his head by Giants players Everson Walls (28) and Carl Banks (58) as time runs out in the Giants 31-3 victory over the Chicago Bears at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Sunday, Jan. 13, 1991. To right of Parcells are Giants Pepper Johnson (52) and Lawrence Taylor (56). (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
Quarterbacks Mike Tomczak of the Chicago Bears, left, and Jeff Hostetler of the New York Giants chat together as they leave the field after NFL playoff game, Sunday, Jan. 14, 1991 at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford. The Giants won 31-3 behind Hostetler, who started for the injured Phil Simms. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants linebacker Mike Barrow tackles Chicago Bears receiver Marcus Robinson (88) after a reception in the second quarter on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2000, at Soldier Field in Chicago. (AP Photo/Stephen J. Carrera)
Chicago Bears quarterback Cade McNown is caught by New York Giants linebacker Jessie Armstead and sacked for a nine-yard loss during the third quarter on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2000, at Soldier Field in Chicago. (AP Photo/Fred Jewell)
Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants prepares to hand the ball off against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 2, 2007 in Chicago, Illinois. The Giants beat the Bears 21-16. (AP Photo/David Stluka)
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 2: New York Giants and Chicago Bears players line up at the line of scrimmage prior to the snap during the game between the New York Giants against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 2, 2007 in Chicago, Illinois. The Giants defeated the Bears 21-16. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants drops back to pass against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 2, 2007 in Chicago, Illinois. The Giants beat the Bears 21-16. (AP Photo/David Stluka)
Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants throws a pass against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 2, 2007 in Chicago, Illinois. The Giants beat the Bears 21-16. (AP Photo/David Stluka)
Running back Derrick Ward #34 of the New York Giants carries the ball against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 2, 2007 in Chicago, Illinois. The Giants beat the Bears 21-16. (AP Photo/David Stluka)
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 2: Wide receiver Plaxico Burress #17 of the New York Giants runs with the football after a pass reception against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 2, 2007 in Chicago, Illinois. The Giants defeated the Bears 21-16. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
New York Giants' Amani Toomer (81) holds up the football after making a touchdown reception, as Chicago Bears' Brandon McGowan (36) and Brian Urlacher (54) argue that the ball hit the ground during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007, in Chicago. The play was reviewed and the call on the field was upheld for a touchdown. The Giants won 21-16. (AP Photo/Jerry Lai)
New York Giants, Michael Strahan (92) during a game against the Chicago Bears on September 17, 2000 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Giants beat the Bears 14-7. Michael Strahan played for 15 years all with the Giants. He was a 7-time Pro Bowler and was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.(AP Photo/David Durochik)
New York Giants' Kevin Dockery breaks up a pass from Chicago Bears quarterback Rex Grossman to Muhsin Muhammad in the end zone during the final seconds of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007, in Chicago. The Giants defeated the Bears 21-16. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)
New York Giants' Derrick Ward runs during a football game against the Chicago Bears Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007 in Chicago. (AP Photo/MJerry Lai)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward runs against Chicago Bears' Anthony Adams (95) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007, in Chicago. The Giants defeated the Bears 21-16. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) scores a touchdown during first quarter NFL football against the Chicago Bears Sunday, Nov. 12, 2006 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Sam Madison, left, sacks Chicago Bears quarterback Rex Grossman, center, with the help of Osi Umenyiora (72) and Michael Strahan during the second quarter of a football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jerry Lia)
New York Giants' Sam Madison, right, sacks Chicago Bears quarterback Rex Grossman during the second quarter of a football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jerry Lia)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) breaks free of a tackle by Chicago Bears defenders in the first quarter of their football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday,Nov. 12, 2006.(AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Chicago Bears quarterback Rex Grossman (8) scrambles with the ball as New York Giants defensive tackle William Joseph (94) approaches him in the second quarter of their football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Sunday, Nov. 12, 2006.(AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) gets tackled by Chicago Bears corner back Jerry Azumah (23) in the first quarter of play on Sunday, November, 7, 2004, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. (AP Photo/Michael Kim)
New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora, hits Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, right, to break up a pass attempt during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) applies pressure against the Chicago Bears in a week 4 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday October 3, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72) knocks the ball away from Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler during the second quarter of an NFL football game between the Chicago Bears and the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Eli Manning, center, gets ready for the snap during the third quarter of an NFL football game between the Chicago Bears and the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive lineman Barry Cofield (96) sacks Chicago Bears quaterback Jay Cutler (6) in the 1st half in a week 4 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday October 3, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants' Hakeem Nicks (44) runs the ball during the first quarter of an NFL football game between the Chicago Bears and the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Eli Manning, center, during the first quarter of an NFL football game between the Chicago Bears and the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Hanie is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 17-3. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs runs the ball during the first quarter of an NFL football game between the Chicago Bears and the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss (89) avoids Chicago Bears' Tim Jennings (26) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) makes a touchdown reception in front of Chicago Bears cornerback Tim Jennings (26) in the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls a play against the Chicago Bears in the first half of an NFL football game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) is tackled by Chicago Bears safety Chris Conte (47) and linebacker James Anderson (50) in the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (34) rolls into the end zone for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
New York Giants wide receivers Victor Cruz and Reuben Randle (82) celebrate a touch down catch during a week 6 Thursday night football game against the Chicago Bears on October 10, 2013 in Chicago,IL (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the Chicago Bears in a week 6 Thursday night football game on October 10, 2013 in Chicago,IL (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the Chicago Bears in a week 6 Thursday night football game against the Chicago Bears on October 10, 2013 in Chicago,IL (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
Chicago Bears safety Chris Conte (47) tries to bring down New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) In the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Players gather on the field for the coin toss before an NFL football game between the Chicago Bears and the New York Giants, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) hands off the ball to running back Brandon Jacobs (34) in the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (34) breaks a tackle during an NFL week 6 football game against the Chicago Bears Thursday, October 10, 2013, in Chicago. The Bears won 27-21. (AP Photo/David Stluka)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) congratulates Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) after an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013, in Chicago. The Bears won 27-21. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to pass against the Chicago Bears during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Chicago Bears in action against the New York Giants Sunday November 20, 2016 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) during a week 11 NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on November 20, 2016 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) leaps over Chicago Bears strong safety Adrian Amos (38) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the Chicago Bears take on the New York Giants during a week 13 NFL football game on Sunday December 2, 2018 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) leaps over Chicago Bears strong safety Adrian Amos (38) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) stiff arms Chicago Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller (23) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) stiff arms Chicago Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller (23) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball as Chicago Bears inside linebacker Danny Trevathan (59) makes the tackle during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) stiff arms Chicago Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller (23) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball as Chicago Bears free safety Eddie Jackson (39) moves in to make the tackle during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) pushes off Chicago Bears strong safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (21) after a catch during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) flips over Chicago Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller (23) during the second half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Chicago Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) throws a pass while being pressured by New York Giants defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence (97) during an NFL game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019, in Chicago. The Bear defeated the Giants 19-14. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Chicago Bears offense lines up against the New York Giants defense during an NFL game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019, in Chicago. The Bear defeated the Giants 19-14. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) takes a handoff from quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019, in Chicago. The Bear defeated the Giants 19-14. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) stands ready as he awaits the snap of the football during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 in Chicago. The Bears defeated the Giants 19-14. (Scott Boehm via AP)
New York Giants offensive guard Nick Gates (65) blocks on a field goal attempt during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 in Chicago. The Bears defeated the Giants 19-14. (Scott Boehm via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Sunday November 24, 2019 in Chicago (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws against the Chicago Bears during the second half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
New York Giants offensive players wait to square off at the line of scrimmage during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears defense, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 in Chicago. The Bears defeated the Colts 19-14. (Greg Trott via AP)
Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) greets New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) following an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019. The Bears defeated the Giants 19-14. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) passes during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 in Chicago. The Bears defeated the Colts 19-14. (Greg Trott via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) runs in front of Chicago Bears cornerback Prince Amukamara (20) after a catch during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants cornerback Julian Love (24) intercepts a pass intended for Chicago Bears wide receiver Javon Wims (83) during the second half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) calls a plays at the line of scrimmage against the Chicago Bears during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Sterling Shepard (87)
Julian Love (20)
Daniel Jones (8)
Julian Love (20)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Sterling Shepard (87)
New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78) during a week 17 football game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday January 2, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois
Tae Crowder (48)
Chris Myarick (41)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Aaron Robinson (33)
A look down the line of scrimmage during a week 17 football game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday January 2, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois
Saquon Barkley (26)
Tae Crowder (48)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball during a week 17 football game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday January 2, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois
*The Giants and Bears are two of the NFL's storied franchises, with a rivalry that dates to 1925. They are now in similar situations. Both teams rebooted in the offseason, hiring new general managers and head coaches and largely overhauled their coaching staffs. Brian Daboll was one of 11 coaching candidates to interview for the Bears job in January, while Giants GM Joe Schoen was one of 14 candidates the Bears spoke to for their opening. Chicago general manager Ryan Poles interviewed for the Giants GM job. The Bear's first-year coach is Matt Eberflus, a friend of Daboll's since they coached together on the Cleveland Browns' staff in 2009-10.
The teams have young quarterbacks who were among the first 11 selections in their respective drafts, salary cap constraints, and an unsuccessful recent past that led to the hierarchy changes and required a cultural improvement.
Each team was lightly regarded prior to the season, but are among the 13 teams at 2-1. The winner will certainly be dubbed a surprising 3-1.
"I think you learn a lot about yourself when you play, when you coach, and we're a work in progress," Giants coach Brian Daboll said. "We're still working to improve in a lot of different areas. I think we've done some things well; we've done some things we can improve on, all of us. This is our fourth game, really the most important game obviously because it's the next one. And we try to take things from the past, the previous games, and make sure we tighten those things up whether they're good or they're not as good as you want them to be and use them when you're preparing for the team you're about to play."
"You want to win every game you can, so you definitely would rather be 3-1 than 2-2," running back Saquon Barkley said. "You don't go in any game with the mindset like, 'Okay, if we're 2-2 m, then what?' If that happens, then you prepare for that, but you go in with the mindset of trying to win a game, trying to do whatever you can to win a game. If you can get to 3-1 in the first quarter of a season, obviously not looking too far ahead, never satisfied, but I would say that's a pretty good start. We got to find a way to get to 3-1 against a very good team who's playing really well. So, we'll try to capitalize on that."
*The Giants' defense had neither a sack nor a takeaway in their 23-16 loss to Dallas Monday night. The unit has three sacks in three games.
"They'll come," defensive coordinator Wink Martindale said. "They (the Cowboys) were running toss sweeps on third-and-12. That's a pass rush down. So, they know that we can affect them and attack their protections. They'll come."
So, presumably, will the takeaways. The Giants have three, but only one by the defense. The other two were by the special teams.
"I think the takeaway part comes in bunches, I really do," Martindale said. "And the first thing's first, we got to tackle well. Then the turnovers come. But right now, I want us to tackle well. And then the turnovers will come."
*Chicago's offensive numbers are those of a throwback team. Of their 159 offensive plays, 104 have been runs (65.4%). The Bears average an NFC-best 186.7 rushing yards while also averaging 5.4 yards a carry. posting a 5.4 yards-per-rush average.
In three games, quarterback Justin Fields has 23 completions and 297 yards. To put that in perspective, 24 quarterbacks have at least 23 completions in a game and five quarterbacks have thrown for at least 297 yards in multiple starts this season. Chicago is the first team to complete 23 or fewer passes through three games since the 1982 New England Patriots.
"You have to keep bigger people on the field longer than you want to," Martindale said. "They're trying to catch us subbing. They're trying to do all the little tricks to throw you off balance, and you have to be prepared for that, which we will be."
*The Giants have scored 47 of their 56 points after halftime, while Chicago has scored 32 of 52 points in the final two quarters.
Once again, the New York Giants are bringing back their classic blue uniforms from the '80s and '90s this Sunday as part of two Legacy Games presented by Quest.
QB Daniel Jones (8)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
WR Kenny Golladay (19)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
S Xavier McKinney (29)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
S Xavier McKinney (29)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
WR Kenny Golladay (19)
S Xavier McKinney (29)
S Xavier McKinney (29)
S Xavier McKinney (29)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
Saquon Barkley (26), Daniel Jones (8)
Darius Slayton (86)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Jaylon Smith (54)
Nick Williams (93)
Dexter Lawrence (97), D.J. Davidson (98)
Tanner Hudson (88)
Dexter Lawrence (97), Tae Crowder (48)
Jihad Ward (55)
Jaylon Smith (54), Tae Crowder (48), Dane Belton (24)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26), Daniel Jones (8)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Tae Crowder (48)
Tae Crowder (48)
Daniel Jones (8), Ben Bredeson (68)
Mark Glowinski (64), Jon Feliciano (76), Daniel Jones (8)
Jamie Gillan (6), Graham Gano (9)
Ben Bredeson (68), Mark Glowinski (64), Jon Feliciano (76)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Daniel Jones (8)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Micah McFadden (41), Azeez Ojulari (51)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Julian Love (20)
Dexter Lawrence (97), Azeez Ojulari (51)
Tae Crowder (48), Kayvon Thibodeaux (5), Micah McFadden (41)
Daniel Jones (8)
Tyrod Taylor (2), Saquon Barkley (26)
Xavier McKinney (29), Fabian Moreau (37)
Daniel Jones (8), Daniel Bellinger (82)
Daniel Jones (8)
Daniel Jones (8), Daniel Bellinger (82)
Daniel Jones (8)
Daniel Jones (8)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
DL Leonard Williams (99)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
DL Leonard Williams (99)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
T Andrew Thomas (78)
T Andrew Thomas (78)
T Andrew Thomas (78)
DL Leonard Williams (99)
T Andrew Thomas (78)
T Andrew Thomas (78), LB Azeez Ojulari (51)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
