Five storylines heading into Sunday's matchup between the New York Giants and Houston Texans at NRG Stadium:
1. Start clicking. The new-look Giants did not start their season the way they hoped for as they dropped games against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Dallas Cowboys. They will look to get on track against the Texans, who are in the same position at 0-2 heading into Week 3. "I think when you have new schemes, new coaches, new players, 30 new players or whatever it is, it takes some time for everything to come together and start clicking," quarterback Eli Manning said. "You hope you can find ways to win some games. We've kept games close, been in it in the fourth quarter. We just got to get a little faster start, get a lead, do some things a little bit better and we'll get those opportunities to score more points."
2. Offensive line moves ahead without Halapio. A storyline of training camp was the battle for the starting center spot. In the middle of camp, the Giants traded Brett Jones, cementing Jon Halapio as the starter. However, Halapio is now out for the season after fracturing his lower leg and ankle against the Cowboys. John Greco, the 11-year veteran who has three career starts at center, will get the nod snapping the ball to Manning.
"We just have to focus everything on in-house," Greco said. "We don't really listen to the talk outside, we know we have to play better and that's the focus every week. When we get some wins, it's going to be the same thing. There's going to be no let-up, and that's how you've got to approach it. You can't be complacent and when you know things aren't going your way, you just have to do everything extra and do everything in your power to be the cause of the wins and not the cause of losses."
3. This team is just one play away. The Giants have played two good defensive teams to start the season in the Jaguars and the Cowboys. The Cowboys rank fourth in the league in yards allowed per game (274) and third in points allowed per game (14.5), while the Jaguars rank seventh and fifth, respectively. The Giants lost both games by seven or fewer points while holding both teams to 20 points each. In those games, the Giants' playmakers had potential opportunities to come away with big plays.
"Not only just myself or Odell (Beckham Jr.), it's all around the board," rookie running back Saquon Barkley said. "With (Sterling Shepard), Eli (Manning), the O-line, defense, special teams, we're so close, we're so close. I think a lot of people are overreacting, I guess you can say, with a 0-2 start. Obviously, I'm just learning, but it's not like we're getting blown out in these games. Literally, Jacksonville is one of the best teams in the NFL, they proved that last week. We probably should've won that game. Dallas, we fought the whole game, and they got the best of us. We got to continue to work, continue to have that mindset, and definitely don't panic – continue to believe in each other, and I think we can really turn this season around."
4. Status of Apple, Vernon. Cornerback Eli Apple did not participate in practice Wednesday with a groin injury he suffered in the game against Dallas this past Sunday. The injury was something that wore on him as the game went on and was "something that was definitely hurting me at the time and hampering me from running my full speed," as Apple told reporters in the locker room before practice. Outside linebacker Olivier Vernon is still battling the ankle injury he suffered in the preseason and "will try to do more", as coach Pat Shurmur told media before practice. Linebacker Connor Barwin (knee) was the other non-participant in practice on Wednesday. Wide receiver Kaelin Clay and tight end Evan Engram were both limited participants in practice with ankle injuries.
5. Stopping Houston's mobile quarterback. Heading into Week 3, the Houston Texans lead the NFL in rushing at 157.5 yards per game. This is due to the play of running backs Lamar Miller (166 yards) and Alfred Blue (72 yards) and quarterback Deshaun Watson (84 yards). Watson is third in the league in rushing yards for a quarterback behind Tyrod Taylor and Cam Newton. Against the Jaguars, the Giants allowed quarterback Blake Bortles to break off for a 41-yard run. Last week against the Cowboys, Dak Prescott had seven carries for 45 yards. Even in the preseason against the Patriots, Danny Etling ran for an 81-yard touchdown run.
"Until we fix the zone read stuff, we will continue to see it especially from mobile quarterbacks," Shurmur said. "Again, it's another challenge for us. Those are really where the big runs came last week, I thought our guys battled the run pretty well considering the type of runner that we were playing against and type of offensive line. Sometimes those zone reads pop out on you. That's always the challenge when you have a quarterback that has legs like they do."
Photos from the all-time series between the New York Giants and Houston Texans
New York Giants' Michael Strahan (92) flexes his muscle after sacking Houston Texans quarterback David Carr during the first quarter Sunday, Nov. 24, 2002, in Houston. (AP Photo/Richard Carson)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber (21) runs down the sideline for a gain of 70 yards as Houston Texans' Matt Stevens (26), Jeff Posey (98) and Marcus Coleman (42) chase him during the second quarter Sunday, Nov. 24, 2002, in Houston. (AP Photo/Richard Carson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass to Jeremy Shockey during first quarter NFL football against the Houston Texans Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants beat the Texans, 14-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, right, passes the ball as he is pressured by Houston Texans linebacker DeMeco Ryans (59) during second quarter NFL football Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants beat the Texans, 14-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Houston Texans' tight end Owen Daniels (81) loses the ball as he is hit by New York Giants' Corey Webster while Giants' James Butler (37) looks on in fourth quarter NFL football action at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006. The Giants won, 14 - 10. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
Houston Texans fullback Jameel Cook fumbles the ball as he is hit by New York Giants linebacker Gerris Wilkinson during fourth quarter NFL football Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants beat the Texans, 14-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs with the ball as Houston Texans' Glenn Earl tries to bring him down during first quarter NFL football action at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
Houston Texans quarterback David Carr, top, goes into the end zone for a touchdown over New York Giants' Corey Webster (23), Antonio Pierce (58), Mathias Kiwanuka (97) as Giants' Gibril Wilson (28) looks on during third quarter NFL football Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants beat the Texans, 14-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) scores on a 16-yard touchdown run as Houston Texans free safety C.C. Brown pushes him during first-quarter NFL football Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Houston Texans safety Glenn Earl (26) attempts to tackle New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) as he picks up 21 yards during first quarter NFL football Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Texans' Dunta Robinson (23) and Giants' Jim Finn look on. The Giants beat the Texans, 14-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
FILENew York Giants' Tiki Barber runs with the ball against the Houston Texans during NFL football action at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., in this Nov. 5, 2006 file photo. (AP Photo/Mel Evans,file)
After scoring a fourth-quarter touchdown, New York Giants' Jeremy Shockey (80) gives the football to seven- year-old Charlie Danna during NFL football action against the Houston Texans at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. . 5, 2006. The Giants won, 14 - 10. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin challenges a play during second quarter NFL football against the Houston Texans Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants beat the Texans, 14-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Hakeem Nicks (88) and Ahmad Bradshaw celebrate a reception by Hicks in the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) in the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs (27) pulls along four Houston Texans defenders, including Adewale Ogunleye (99), in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. The Giants won 34-10. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) in the first quarter an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) in the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) scores a touchdown in the first quarter an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
The New York Giants take the field before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
New York Giants' Eli Manning (10) calls to teammates in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants' Eli Manning runs off the field following an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. The Giants won 34-10. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) drags Houston Texans safety Troy Nolan (33) for a first down in the first quarter an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) in the first quarter an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) in the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) and Houston Texans safety Bernard Pollard (31) in the first quarter an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants' Eli Manning (10) gives away his armbands to fans after an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. The Giants won 34-10. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle (26) intercepts a pass intended for Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) as New York Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (21) looks on in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) brings the all up field against the Houston Texans in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants tight end Daniel Fells (85) looks to celebrate as Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) looks on after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws under pressure against the New York Giants in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) takes the ball up field for a first down against the Houston Texans in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) reacts after a defensive play against the Houston Texans in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle (26) greets fans on the sidelines before playing against the Houston Texans in an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) falls across the goal line for a touchdown against Houston Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye (34) in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle (26) takes the ball up field after intercepting a pass against the Houston Texans in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants tight end Daniel Fells (85) is pushed out of bounds after catching a touchdown pass against Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) tries to avoid Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) in the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
FILE - In this Sept. 21, 2014, file photo, Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws under pressure from New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) in the first quarter of an NFL football game in East Rutherford, N.J. Monday, March 2, 2015, was the deadline for franchises to decide whether to hold onto key players who are pending free agents by giving them the franchise or transition tag. The alternative: letting them hit the open market on March 10. The Giants tagged Pierre-Paul. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) avoids a tackle from Houston Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (25) on his way to a touchdown in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80), center, celebrates with wide receiver Rueben Randle (82), center J.D. Walton (55) and wide receiver Corey Washington (88) after scoring a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) waves to fans as he jogs off the field after the Giants beat the Houston Texans 30-17 in an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
