EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Lorenzo Carter this week wishes he had a professional basketball player's opportunity for rapid redemption.
The second-year linebacker and the rest of his defensive teammates on the Giants were dissatisfied with their performance in the season-opening loss in Dallas last week. They are eager to show they are capable of much better when the team plays its home opener tomorrow against the Buffalo Bills, whose quarterback is the mobile Josh Allen. But the seven days between games seem like an eternity.
"A lot of guys, we talk," Carter said. "In the NBA, if they have a bad game, the next day they can go out there and play again. For us, we have a whole week to sit, let it marinate, watch film and soul search. I think that's what we've been doing this week. We came out and worked hard this week in practice. Now we're just getting ready to come out and get that taste out of our mouths. Everybody is ready to get that taste out of their mouths."
Their performance will determine if they're successful. While the run defense was strong against the Cowboys (who averaged just 3.0 yards a carry and did not have a run longer than 10 yards in 30 attempts), both the front and back ends of the pass defense were lacking. The D never did sack quarterback Dak Prescott and rarely pressured him, getting credited for just two hits. And the secondary had too many coverage breakdowns, resulting in seven completions for more than 20 yards, including gains of 62, 45 and 36 yards that weren't touchdowns.
"We did not play, number one, as well as we expected to play and, number two, as well as we are capable of playing," defensive coordinator James Bettcher said.
"I think everybody is looking for the same answer, how are we going to get more pressure on the quarterback?' outside linebackers coach Mike Dawson said. "Obviously, have to make him uncomfortable, we have to get the ball coming out faster, and we have to make him throw it under duress when he is going to throw it. Ultimately, we need to sack the quarterback when we get there. Something I think all the guys are hungry to get fixed, hungry to get answered, they came out and trained hard this week. We have to do a great job. Guys that can move, you have to have a good aiming point and good plan on those guys to be able to get to them."
Perhaps the most critical question facing the defense entering the season was where the pass rush would come from. The players most often mentioned as potential suppliers of that valuable commodity were veteran linebacker Markus Golden, rookies Oshane Ximines and Dexter Lawrence and Carter. The quartet combined for five tackles (two solo) and one hit on Prescott (by Carter).
"We were disappointed, of course," Carter said. "But it's just on to the next week. There's nothing you can really do about last week but watch the film, evaluate it and then just get ready for this week. We're going to keep going."
"When it comes down to whether you pressure (with extra players) or you four-man rush, it comes down to winning one-on-ones," Bettcher said. "We have to do a better job of winning one-on-ones. I think coming out of Week 1 in terms of that specifically, you don't sit back and say, 'I'm surprised, I can't believe this, I can't believe that.' I don't live in that world. I look at it as here's something we have to get better at, let's go work to get better at it. We're running to things, we aren't running from them. We need to attack what the problem was and go work to correct the problem. Not just say we need to rush the quarterback better? The truth is how do you rush the passer better. What fundamentals and techniques do we need to improve with specifically with what guys and players."
The same question could be asked about the secondary. Dallas' strategy was to have Prescott throw the ball away from the Giants' top cornerback, Janoris Jenkins, and toward the young corners on the opposite side, Antonio Hamilton (who started and played 36 snaps) and first-round draft choice DeAndre Baker (31 snaps). Prescott completed 25 of 33 passes for 405 yards and four touchdowns for a perfect 158.3 passer rating and was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week.
"It didn't shake us," said free safety Antoine Bethea. "It wasn't the outing we wanted. We have to put the work in this week (to correct it)."
"It's an opportunity for me to bounce back and show what I can do," Baker said. "Show that I can fight through adversity. It's not the best game that I wanted to have, but I can now bounce back and show what I can do."
View the best images from the all-time series between the Giants and Bills
Buffalo Bills kicker Scott Norwood, center, misses the field goal on the last play of the game, clinching the victory for the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXV in Tampa Sunday, January 27, 1991. The Giants won 20-19. (AP Photo/Phil Sandlin)
New York Giants' running back Tucker Frederickson (24) tries to make it through a hole in the Buffalo Bill's line during game at New York's Yankee Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 7, 1970. Bills' end Ron McDole (72), coming off a block by New York offensive tackle Dick Buzin (77), tries to plug the hole. Giants guard Doug Van Horn (63) blocks Buffalo middle linebacker Edgard Chandler (52) at right. Fredrickson made gain of 2 yards on the play as New York won, 20-8. (AP Photo)
Joe Danelo of the New York Giants follows through, left, as his kick sails over the outstretched arms of Buffalo Bills players to win Monday, Aug. 29, 1977 exhibition game 24-21 in sudden death overtime in East Rutherford, N.J. The ball is above the jumping Mamo Clark (29) and Sherman White (83) was unable to block it. (AP Photo/RFS)
Running back Rodney Hampton (27) of the New York Giants is spun around as he is face masked by Leon Seals of the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Dec 15, 1990. Hampton gained nine yards and picked up an additional ten yards on the face mask penalty. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants Bill Parcells smiles before the start of Super Bowl XXV against Buffalo Bills in Tampa Sunday, Jan. 27, 1991. The Giants beat the Bills 20-19. (AP Photo/Rusty Kennedy)
New York Giants kicker Matt Bahr tackles Don Smith of the Buffalo Bills on the opening kickoff of Super Bowl XXV Sunday, Jan. 27, 1991 in Tampa. (AP Photo/Olga Shalygin)
New York Giant running back Ottis Anderson (24) is brought down the hard way during the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XXV Sunday, Jan. 27, 1991 in Tampa. Anderson was named the game's most valuable player as the Giants defeated the Buffalo Bills, 20-19. (AP Photo/Doug Mills)
Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly gets sacked during the fourth quarter ny New York Giants linebacker Pepper Johnson. The Giants came out on top to win the Super Bowl 20-19 in Tampa Sunday, Jan. 27, 1991. (AP Photo/Bill Waugh)
New York Giants running back Ottis Anderson (24) carries the ball as he leaps over Buffalo Bills Kirby Jackson during fourth quarter of Super Bowl XXV at Tampa Stadium Sunday, Jan. 27, 1991. Giants Stephen Baker is under Jackson. The Giants defeated the Bills 20-19. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
Leonard Marchall (70) and Erik Howard (74) of the New York Giants celebrate the sack of Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly (12) in the third quarter of SUper Bowl XXV Sunday, Jan. 27, 1991 in Tampa. (AP Photo/Lynn Sladky)
Members of the Buffalo Bills hold hands on the sidelines as they watch Scott Norwood attemp a field goal that could've won the Bills Super Bowl XXV. Norwood missed and the New York Giants won 20-19. At left wearing a blue sweater is Bills coach Marv Levy. Wearing a helmet second from right is Bills quarterback Jim Kelly. (AP Photo/Craig Fujii)
New York Giants quarterback Jeff Hostetler (15) celebrates a second quarter touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during Super Bowl XXV in Tampa, Fla., in this Jan. 27, 1991 photo. The Giants, back at the spot where they won the Super Bowl a decade ago, began practice Monday Jan. 22, 2001 for this year's championship against the Baltimore Ravens. (AP Photo)
New York Giants coach Bill Parcells is carried on the shoulders of Lawrence Taylor (56) and Carl Banks (58) after winning the Super Bowl XXV in Tampa, Fla., Sunday, Jan. 28, 1991. The Giants defeated the Buffalo Bills, 20-19. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)
New York Giants head coach Bill Parcells lets out a yell after being drenched by his team as they defeated the Buffalo Bill, 20-19, in Super Bowl XXV Sunday, Jan. 27, 1991 in Tampa. With Parcells is Carl Banks. (AP Photo/Bill Waugh)
Buffalo Bills kicker Scott Norwood (11) walks off the field in dejection after missing a 47-yard field goal on the last play of the game, clinching a 20-19 victory for the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXV in Tampa, Fla., Jan. 27, 1991. Giants' Reyna Thompson, right, celebrates as Bills holder Frank Reich (14) also leaves the field. (AP Photo/Rusty Kennedy)
New York Giant runningback Ottis Anderson gives the thumb up sign following his team's win 20-19 over Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXV in Tampa Sunday, Jan. 27, 1991. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
New York Giants head coach Bill Parcells celebrates his team's victory over the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXV in Tampa, Fla., Jan. 27, 1991. The Giants won 20-19. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
Members of the New York Giants and the Buffalo Bill pray together in a circle as they surrounded by members of the media after the Super Bowl in Tampa Sunday, Jan. 27, 1991. The Giants beat the Bills 20-19. (AP Photo/Craig Fujii)
New York Giants head coach Bill Parcells shows off the Super Bowl trophy after his team beat the Buffalo Bills 20-19 in Tampa, Fl., Jan. 28, 1991. (AP photo/Mark Lennihan)
Buffalo Bills quarterback Doug Flutie (7) fumbles as he is taken down by New York Giants defensive end Cedric Jones (94) during the first half of the game at Ralph Wilson Stadium, in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 12, 1999. The Giants recovered the fumble that set up a field goal. They went on to beat the Bills 19-17. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants' wide receiver Amani Toomer, left, catches a pass downfield for a touchdown in front of Buffalo Bills' London Fletcher during the second quarter Sunday, Nov. 30, 2003, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Buffalo Bills quarterback Trent Edwards, left, gets a pass off before being tackled by New York Giants safety Michael Johnson, right, during the first half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y. on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007. New York won 38-21. (AP Photo/Don Heupel)
New York Giants' Eli Manning wears a rain coat during the rain and snow during the second half of the NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants' Osi Umenyiora (72) celebrates a Giants interception and touchdown during the second half of the NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants' Eli Manning calls a signal before the snap during the NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs (27) runs against the Buffalo Bills during the second half of an NFL football game at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007. The Giants won 38-21. (AP Photo/Derek Gee)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning looks downfield for a receiver during the first half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park, N.Y. on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007. New York won 38-21. (AP Photo/Don Heupel)
Buffalo Bills punter Brian Moorman, right, tries to recover his fumble as New York Giants special teams player Ahmad Bradshaw, left, tackles him during the first half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y. on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007. New York won 38-21. (AP Photo/Don Heupel)
New York Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw (44) runs past Buffalo Bills' Terrence McGee (24) for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007. (AP Photo/Derek Gee)
New York Giants cornerback Corey Webster, right, celebrates his touchdown with teammate safety James Butler, left, after a 34-yard interception against the Buffalo Bills during the second half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y. on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007. New York won 38-21. (AP Photo/Don Heupel)
New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs (27) scores a touchdown under pressure from Buffalo Bills' John DiGiorgio (52) during the second quarter of their NFL football game at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007. The Giants won 38-21. (AP Photo/Derek Gee)
Buffalo Bills' Marshawn Lynch (23) is tackled by New York Giants' Antonio Pierce (58) and Aaron Ross (31) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants' Amani Toomer (81) makes a catch under pressure from Buffalo Bills' Jim Leonhard (42) during the first quarter of the NFL football at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007. (AP Photo/Derek Gee)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning looks to throw during the first quarter of the NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants' Kawika Mitchell (55) celebrates his interception for a touchdown during the second half of the NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007. The Giants won 38-21. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw (44) is hit by Buffalo Bills' Bryan Scott (43) during the second half of an NFL football game at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007. The Giants won 38-21. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
Buffalo Bills kicker Rian Lindell, far right, kicks a field goal during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Giants on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw (44) scores a touchdown over the Buffalo Bills during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants cornerback Corey Webster (23) intercepts a pass intended for Buffalo Bills wide receiver Steve Johnson during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. Johnson was called for a face mask on the play. The Giants won the game 27-24. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Corey Webster (23) is helped up by teammates after intercepting a pass during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 27-24. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw is interviewed at the completion of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Buffalo Bills Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 27-24. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, left, greets New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning after an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 27-24. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) dives past Buffalo Bills free safety Jairus Byrd (31) and Nick Barnett (50) for a touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs, right, celebrates with Mario Manningham during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Eli Manning (10) looks to pass as Buffalo Bills' Marcell Dareus (99) rushes him during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 27-24. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, center, looks to pass as New York Giants defensive tackle Chris Canty (99) and Osi Umenyiora (72) rush the passer during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) and Dave Tollefson (71) during the second quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
MetLife Stadium is filled with spectators during the third quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Buffalo Bills Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, bottom, reacts after being sacked by New York Giants outside linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka (94) during the second quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Hakeem Nicks (88) and Buffalo Bills' Terrence McGee (24) run in the end zone during an incomplete pass during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) walks back to the sideline during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Giants on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Bills lost the game 24-27. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) runs past Buffalo Bills cornerback Drayton Florence (29) during the first quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) reacts after scoring a touchdown on a pass from quarterback Eli Manning as Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore, left, and strong safety Bacarri Rambo look on during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Wippert)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings, right, looks at Buffalo Bills cornerback Ronald Darby, left, as he scores on a touchdown run during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Gary Wiepert)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) talks to his teammates during the first half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Wippert)
Coach Pat Shurmur and Bettcher all but announced changes are coming there for the Bills game.
"You can expect the young guys to play, just like they did the other night," Shurmur said. "We'll see how much. The rotation on that player (Hamilton) and maybe a couple others may change on defense."
"We have to play better at that spot, we have to tackle better at that spot," Bettcher said. "I think that's what it came down to, some missed tackles at that position. Bake's going to get a chance to play there and you'll see Ham in situations and we will go from there. I think the plan will reveal itself like it did last week on Sunday. We just have to play better at the spot, just with the little things, it's not about ability, it's not what the guys are capable of doing, they just need to execute things that they know."
The Giants' secondary is an interesting blend of young players like Baker, Hamilton, Grant Haley and third-year strong safety starter Jabrill Peppers, and veterans Bethea (a 14-year pro), Jenkins (eighth season) and Michael Thomas (sixth). Every defensive back gives up big plays at some point. After a rough opening week, the more experienced players are schooling the youngster in letting those plays go and moving on.
"Just understand that this is the NFL," Thomas said. "You have to continue to put in the work. The good thing about it for them is not just individuals, but teams make the biggest improvement from Week 1 to Week 2. Now you see it's not like the preseason. You can have a great week of practice, but the results might not always be there. Come in, communicate way better than you did last week, run to the ball way better than you did last week, better than you've ever done before, and execute way better than you did last week. That's going to give you a chance to have success."
"You have to have a short-term memory when you're playing cornerback," Jenkins said. "You have to understand that you're going to make plays, and you're going to have plays made on you, because I get paid just as well as they get paid. You can't go out there thinking, 'Oh I'm going to knock every ball down, I'm going to stop every completion.' Just go out there and play football. Understand that whatever happens between the snap, it happened. After the snap, (move on to the) next play. That's all that matters.
"I'm going to tell them (Baker and Hamilton) that every day. Every day until they understand. Until they learn that it's next play because they have to understand, like I said, they get paid just as well as we get paid. Everybody in the NFL is the best at what they do. You can't go out there thinking this and thinking that. If you get beat, you line up on the next play and win the next matchup."
The Giants' defensive backs intend to do that tomorrow. It's just too bad they have to wait a week for redemption.
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