EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – On Sept. 24, 1978, the New England Patriots defeated the Raiders in Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, 21-14, in a game that began at 9 p.m. eastern time. It was the NFL's first Sunday night game since the 1970 merger and though no one knew it then, it was the first seed in what has grown into the colossus of Sunday Night Football.
Motivated by the success of Monday Night Football – then in its ninth season – the NFL began scheduling prime time games on other nights. That year, three were played on Sunday and another on Thursday – another seed that has provided the league much fruit. The Giants joined the Sunday night party on Oct. 6, 1985, when they dropped a 30-29 decision to the Dallas Cowboys in Giants Stadium.
Beginning in 1987, Sunday night games became a weekly staple of the league schedule. ESPN televised the games through the 2005 season. In 2006, ESPN began broadcasting Monday Night Football and the Sunday night games moved to NBC, where they became the league's premier weekly showcase and currently enjoy an unprecedented run as television's top-rated primetime show for nine consecutive years.
The first NBC Sunday night regular season telecast was a blockbuster: on Sept. 10, 2006, the Giants hosted the Indianapolis Colts in the first game in NFL history in which the starting quarterbacks were brothers, Eli and Peyton Manning. The Giants lost, 26-21.
Through the years, the Giants – with many successful teams, marquee players and a home in the nation's largest media market – regularly played on Sunday nights. But those appearances diminished recently as the team struggled. The Giants did not play on a Sunday night in 2019 and were not scheduled to play in the league's showcase night game this season until the NFL flexed their game this week against Cleveland from 1 p.m. to prime time. San Francisco's game at Dallas was moved from 8:20 to the early afternoon.
This is the 15th season the Sunday night game has been considered the league's premier weekly event. Dallas, Green Bay, New England, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are the only teams to appear each season. When they play Sunday, the Giants will tie the Chicago Bears for second with an appearance in 14 of those seasons. Cleveland will increase its number of seasons appearing on Sunday night since 2006 to … three.
The Cowboys have played in an NFL-high 50 Sunday night games since then, followed by New England, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh with 36 each. Directly behind them are the Giants with 35.
The Giants last played in a Sunday prime time game on Sept. 16, 2018, a 20-13 loss in Dallas. Their most recent Sunday night victory was a 23-10 triumph in Denver on Oct. 15, 2017. And they last hosted a Sunday night game on Dec. 11, 2016, a 10-7 victory against Dallas.
View rare photos of the storied history between the New York Giants and Browns.
New York Giants quarterback Charley Conerly (42) scores a touchdown as he is tackled by Cleveland Browns Junior Wren (42), as part of a double hand-off resulting in the only touchdown of the NFC Eastern Division playoff game at Yankee Stadium, Dec. 21, 1958.(AP Photo/Harry Harris)
Two New York Giants are pictured in the dressing room still wearing their mud-covered uniforms after a game against the Cleveland Browns, Dec. 9, 1956, at Yankee Stadium. Tackle Roosevelt Brown is at left, with Bill Svoboda, fullback. (AP Photo/John Lindsay)
Jubilant fans mob the goalpost in closing minutes of Giants victory, 48-7, over the Cleveland Browns at Yankee Stadium in New York City, Dec. 6, 1959. (AP Photo)
Fullback Marion Motley (76) gains one yard for the Cleveland Browns before he is pulled down by Jim Duncan, right, Giants' end in the first period of the play-off game at Cleveland, Ohio, between the Browns and the New York Giants in the American Conference on Dec. 17, 1950. Motley has just eluded Arnie Weinmeister (73), Giants tackle, lying on the ground in the center. (AP Photo/Harold Valentine)
Pat Summerall, New York Giants place kicking specialist, poses for photographer during Giants practice session for upcoming game with the Cleveland Browns at Yankee Stadium, New York, Dec. 20, 1958. (AP Photo/John Lindsay)
Pat Summerall, whose place kicking has helped the New York Giants to a crack at the NFL title, poses with his shoe and football during workout at New York's Yankee Stadium, Dec. 27, 1958. Pat will be out to help the Giants championship game with the Baltimore Colts on December 28. Two weeks ago Pat kicked a field goal against Cleveland Browns to give Giants a tie for the league's eastern division title. Last week he kicked a field goal and point after touchdown in team's 10-0 win over the Browns. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
New York Giants' star defensive back, Emlen Tunnell, poses with a group from Radnor High School of Wayne, Penn., before the Giants-Cleveland Browns game in New York, Dec. 14, 1958. From left: Ben Domenick, Art Lang, manager; Jules Provost, coach; Tunnell; Jerry Domenick, team captain; Steve Domenick, 12, and Jimmy Thomas, 9. Tunnell was honored by fans before the game including the Radnor group. (AP Photo/John Lindsay)
Unruly fans at Cleveland vs New York NFL game in Yankee Stadium in New York City, try to tear down the north goal posts before the game ended, Dec. 6, 1959. Officials eventually finished the game. Final score was Giants 48, Browns 7. (AP Photo)
New York Giants Hall of Fame halfback Frank Gifford (16) tries to dive away from Cleveland Browns safety Johnny Pettibon (44) during an NFL game in Cleveland, Ohio, Oct. 14, 1956 The Giants defeated the Browns 21-9. (AP Photo/Pro Football Hall of Fame)
Cleveland Browns guard Chuck Noll (65) throws a rolling block to take down New York Giants defensive end Joe Sulaitis (21) during an NFL game in Cleveland, Dec. 6, 1953. (AP Photo/Pro Football Hall of Fame)
Jim Lee Howell, head coach of the New York Giants points to a blackboard showing a diagram of touchdown play in Dec. 21, 1958 victory over Cleveland Browns for the Eastern Division title of the National Football League at New York's Yankee Stadium. Play started with quarterback Charley Conerly, 42. handing off to halfback Alex Webster, who gave it to halfback Frank Gifford to complete a double handoff. Gifford bucked seven yards to 12-yard line, and lateralled to Conerly who scored. (AP Photo)
The Cleveland Browns will play against the New York Giants for division victory on Dec. 21, 1958. Browns coach Paul Brown (in the suit) briefs some of his players at Yankee Stadium, New York City, on Dec. 20. They are, from left to right, guard Gene Hickerson; tackle Derrell Brewster, and halfback Ray Renfro. (AP Photo/John Rooney)
New York Giants' half back Frank Gifford heads for a touchdown in second quarter of Giants-Browns game, Dec. 6, 1959. (AP Photo)
New York Giants pull a double hand-off and lateral against the Cleveland Browns for the only touchdown of National Football League Eastern Division playoff game at New York's Yankee Stadium on Dec. 21, 1958. As play starts on Browns 19-yard line, quarterback Charley Conerly (42) hands off the ball to Alex Webster (29), who hands off the ball to Frank Gifford (16). With a block by Al Barry (68), Gifford breaks away to a 12-yard line where he laterals the ball to Conerly. Conerly is chased by Browns' Bob Gain (79), Browns' Junior Wren (42), but falls across goal line, Giants won 10-0. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
New York Giants' left end Bob Schnelker (85) catches Frank Gifford's 7-yard touchdown pass to tie up game with Cleveland Browns at 10-all in final period at New York's Yankee Stadium, Dec. 14, 1958. Cleveland defenders are Ken Konz (center) and Junior Wren (right). Giants' Tackle Frank Youso (72) is in background. Giants kicked a field goal in final two minutes to win game 13-10, and force a playoff by New York and Cleveland for NFL's Eastern Division championship December 21. (AP Photo)
Cleveland Browns' coach Paul Brown is pictured during a game against the New York Giants' at Yankee Stadium in New York on Dec. 14, 1958. The Giants won the game, 13-10, to move into first place tie in the Eastern Division of the National Football League with the Browns. (AP Photo)
Pat Summerall of the New York Football Giants boots from the 49-yard line, as quarterback Charley Conerly (42) holds, in a play good for three points-- margin of victory over Cleveland Browns at Yankee Stadium, New York, Dec. 14. The play, in the final two minutes of the game, followed another field goal attempt from the 33-yard line by Summerall. At right, in play watched by head linesman Charles Berry (31), Giants' Bill Svoboda (30) blocks Browns' Galen Fiss (35). (AP Photo)
Otto Graham, Cleveland Browns' quarterback, grins as he leaves the field with James Duncan of the New York Giants (88), Nov. 18, 1951, at the end of the Giants-Cleveland game in New York. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
Head Coach Jim Lee Howell, left, poses with his probable offensive team at New York Giants practice session at Yankee Stadium in New York Dec. 17, 1958. Giants and Cleveland Browns meet Dec. 21 in Yankee stadium in playoff for eastern division title of national football league. Giants beat Browns last week to gain first place tie. In front left: end Bob Schnelker; tackle Frank Youso; guard Bob Mischak; center Ray Wietecha; guard Al Barry; tackle Roosevelt Brown and end Kyle Rote. Backfield from left: halfback Phil King; fullback Mel Triplett; quarterback Charley Conerly and halfback Frank Gifford. (AP Photo)
Giant halfback Emlen Tunnell (45) eyes two prospective tacklers while making short gain in the second quarter of a game with the Cleveland Browns at the Polo Grounds in New York on Oct. 22, 1950. Ken Gorgal (left), a back, and Jim Martin, an end, move in for the tackle during the Giants 17 to 13 upset over the Browns. (AP Photo)
Tom Landry, above, New York Giants' Pro football coach, has good reason for that smile at Nov. 6, 1958 workout in New York. Landry is responsible for the team's defense, which proved so effective in the Giants' upset win over the Cleveland Browns Nov. 2. The Giants meet Baltimore Nov. 9. (AP Photo/John Lindsay)
A boy runs past the bench of the New York Giants with ball he picked up after Don Chandler tried a field goal against the Cleveland Browns at Yankee Stadium in New York City, Dec. 6, 1959. (AP Photo)
New York Giants quarterback Charley Conerly (42), upper right, grabs ball pitched laterally by halfback Frank Gifford (16) at 12-yard line and races for touchdown against Cleveland Browns at New York's Yankee Stadium, Dec. 21, 1958. After double reverse, started by a Conerly handoff, Gifford moved to the 12 before pitching out. Other players are: Giants' center Ray Wietecha (55), fullback Mel Triplett (33) and end Bob Schnelker (85); Browns' Willie McClund (78) and Bob Gain (79), both tackles. Extra point and a field goal gave Giants 10-0 win for Eastern Division title of NFL. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
In this Dec. 6, 1959, file photo, New York Giants' Don Chandler (34) kicks a punt during the second quarter of a football game against the Cleveland Browns in New York. (AP Photo)
Cleveland Browns coach Paul Brown, left, talks with a player on the sidelines in rainy and muddy conditions at Yankee Stadium, New York City, on Dec. 10, 1956. (AP Photo)
New York Giants quarterback Charley Conerly (42) is chased by Cleveland Browns Bob Gain (79) as part of a double hand-off and lateral play resulting in the only touchdown of the NFC Eastern Division playoff game at Yankee Stadium, Dec. 21, 1958.(AP Photo/Harry Harris)
Y.A. Tittle, New York Giants' quarterback, elected to pass in the first quarter of the game against the Cleveland Browns in Cleveland, Oct. 27, 1963, and picked up 20 yards in the process. End Bill Glass (80) and Jim Houston (82) of the Browns were ineffective. (AP Photo)
New York Giant quarterbacks Charley Conerly, left, and Y.A. Tittle, stand near the sign on the locker room door after their workout in New York's Yankee Stadium, Nov. 22, 1961. The Giants are preparing for the game with the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland on Nov. 26. (AP Photo/Jacob Harris)
Cleveland Browns fullback Jim Brown (32) runs the ball against the New York Giants during an NFL game circa 1965. (Tony Tomsic via AP)
Aireal view of New York's Yankee Stadium where the New York Giants battled the Cleveland Browns, Oct. 29, 1967. Yankee Stadium attracted 62,903 spectators. (AP Photo)
Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Dick Modzelewski (74) takes on two blockers to pressure New York Giants quarterback Y.A. Tittle (14) during an NFL game, Dec. 4, 1964 in Yankees Stadium. (Tony Tomsic via AP)
Cleveland Browns fullback Jim Brown (32) tries to avoid tackle a tackle attempt during an NFL game against the New York Giants in this undated photo. (Tony Tomsic via AP)
Aireal view of New York's Yankee Stadium where the New York Giants battled the Cleveland Browns, Oct. 29, 1967. Yankee Stadium attracted 62,903 spectators. (AP Photo)
Y.A. Tittle (14) New York Giants? quarterback is shown on the sidelines in the final minutes of game with the Cleveland Browns at Yankee Stadium on Dec. 12, 1964 in New York City. This was the final game of the 1964 season for the Giants and may be Tittle?s last as a player. (AP Photo)
Cleveland Browns Walter Johnson (71) and Cleveland Browns Rich Kreitling (88) during a game against the New York Giants on Decemeber 21,1969 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, . The New York Giants beat the Cleveland Browns. Walter Johnson played for 13 seasons with 2 different teams and was a 2-time Pro Bowler. Rich Kreitling played for 6 season with 2 different teams.(David Durochik via AP)
Y.A. Tittle (14) New York Giants? quarterback is shown on the sidelines in the final minutes of game with the Cleveland Browns at Yankee Stadium on Dec. 12, 1964 in New York City. This was the final game of the 1964 season for the Giants and may be Tittle?s last as a player. (AP Photo)
Quarterback, Y.A. Tittle of the New York giants tosses a practice pass in New York?s Yankee stadium on Oct. 23, 1963 as the giants prepare for upcoming contest with the undefeated Cleveland Browns. Tittle and mates will be seeking revenge in the October 27 game at Cleveland for beating administered them by the Browns earlier in the season. Tittle still wears bandage above his left eye for cut received in pileup during Dallas game which New York won on strength of four touchdown tosses by the veteran play-caller. (AP Photo/ Eddie Adams)
Larry Conjar (35) of the Cleveland Browns carries for a first-down in a fourth quarter rally in a game with the New York Giants at Yankee Stadium, Oct. 29, 1967, New York. Clearing a path for the first-down is Browns Gene Hickerson (66) knocking over Giants Carl Lockhart (43). Conjar received from Browns quarterback Frank Ryan. The Giants stopped the last minute rally and won the game 38-34. (AP Photo)
Guard Andy Gross (64) of the New York Giants reaches for an elusive pigskin fumbled by Cleveland Browns Carl Ward (27) during a return of Giants kickoff in the third quarter at Yankee Stadium, Oct. 30, 1967, New York. Gross couldnt come up with the ball that eventually was recovered by Giants Carl Lockhart, not shown. Identifiable players are Giants Bruce Anderson (79), Browns Ben Davis (28), and Freeman White (81) of the Giants. The Giants won the NFL game, 38-34. (AP Photo/John Duricka)
Leroy Kelly (44) Cleveland Browns back, went down in this fashion as he was tackled by defensive back Freeman White (81) of the New York Giants in the second quarter at Yankee Stadium, Oct. 29, 1967, New York. Other identifiable player is Bill Swain (52), Giants Linebacker. Giants won 38-34. (AP Photo)
New York Giants coach Allie Sherman talks to his quarterback, Y. A. Tittle, along the sidelines during the third quarter of National Football League game against the Cleveland Browns on Oct. 25, 1964 in Cleveland. (AP Photo)
Y.A. Tittle, New York Giants quarterback named national football league ?Star on the Week? by the Associated Press, prepares to toss his specialty -- a pass -- during practice on Oct. 30, 1963 in New York?s Yankee Stadium. His short passes and running plays were instrumental in ripping the defenses of the Cleveland Browns last Sunday to give the Giants a 33-6 victory and snap the six-game winning streak of the Browns. (AP Photo)
Cleveland Browns cornerback Bernie Parrish (30) attempts to block a kick against the New York Giants during an NFL game Sept. 16, 1962, in Cleveland. (Tony Tomsic via AP)
Giants quarterback Y.A. Tittle (14), back in the starting role for the New York club, rolls out of protection to toss a first period pass to teammate Joe Morrison against the Cleveland Browns, Dec. 12, 1964, at Yankee Stadium in New York City. Offering protection for Tittle are, Ernie Wheelwright, (30) Dick James, (47) and Rosey Brown (79). (AP Photo)
Cleveland Browns Ernie Kellerman (24) during a game against the New York Giants on Decemeber 21,1969 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, . The New York Giants beat the Cleveland Browns. (David Durochik via AP)
Y.A. Tittle the passer is the natural target for hostile linemen. Here some 755 pounds of Cleveland Browns -- Frank Parker (78) 255, Paul Wiggin (84) 245, Bill Glass (80) 255 -- bear down as Tittle gets off his pass on Nov. 12, 1963. (AP Photo/ Bob Goldberg)
Allie Sherman, right, coach of the New York Giants, talks with his players before a workout at Yankee Stadium in New York, Dec. 7, 1962. from left are: Joe Morrison, back; Phil King, back; Joe Walton, end; Del Shofner, end; Don Chandler, back; Ralph Gugliemi, back and Frank Gifford, back. The Giants will meet the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 9, at the stadium. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
Cleveland Browns Leroy Kelly (44) during a game against the New York Giants on Decemeber 21,1969 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The New York Giants beat the Cleveland Browns 127-14. Leroy Kelly played for 10 seasons all with the Cleveland Browns He was a 6-time Pro Bowler and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994.(David Durochik via AP)
Fans attending the Giants-Browns football game at New York's Yankee Stadium, Dec. 17, 1961. Fans enthusiastically attack the goal posts and topple them onto the field. (AP Photo)
Allie Sherman, coach of the New York football Giants, is flanked by his star quarterbacks, Y.A. Tittle, left, and Charley Conerly, during a team workout at Yankee stadium, New York on Dec. 13, 1961. The Giants face the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 17 in the last game of the regular season. The Giants can wrap up the Title in the league?s eastern division by beating the Cleveland eleven. (AP Photo/JH)
Frank Gifford (16), New York Giants back, reaches unsuccessfully for pass from quarterback Y.A. Tittle in first quarter of NFL game against the Cleveland Browns in New York's Yankee Stadium, Dec. 9, 1962. Following Gifford is Bernie Parrish of the Browns. (AP Photo)
Veteran signal-caller Y.A. Tittle of the New York Giants leads practice session at New York?s Yankee stadium on Oct. 23, 1963 as giants get ready for upcoming contest with the undefeated Cleveland Browns. From left, quarterback Tittle pounds his hand into his fist as Alex Webster, left, and Phil King stand by. New York will be after revenge in October 27 game at Cleveland for sound beating Browns handed them at New York earlier in the season. (AP Photo/ Eddie Adams)
Cleveland Browns fullback Jim Brown(32) is seen in action during an NFL game against the New York Giants in this undated photo. (Tony Tomsic via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Fran Tarkenton (10) gets set to throw a pass during an NFL game against the Cleveland Browns in this undated photo. (Tony Tomsic via AP)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar (10, AFC) throws a pass against New York Giants linebacker Carl Banks (59, NFC) during the Pro Bowl in Honolulu, HI, Feb. 7, 1988. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor (56) and New York Giants linebacker Andy Headen (54) gang tackle Cleveland Browns running back Earnest Byner (44) on December 1, 1985 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Browns won the game 35-33. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants linebacker Harry Carson (53) chases the action during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Dec. 1, 1985 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Browns won 35-33. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants head coach Dan Reeves motions to the field while facing the Cleveland Browns during the NFL preseason game in Cleveland, OH, Aug. 6, 1995. The Giants defeated the Browns 19-13. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants running back Herschel Walker (34) kneels on the field ahead of a game against the Cleveland Browns in Cleveland, OH, Aug. 6, 1995. The Giants defeated the Browns 19-13. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants running back Herschel Walker (34) carries the ball during a preseason game against the Cleveland Browns in Cleveland, OH, Aug. 6, 1995. The Giants defeated the Browns 19-13. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants fullback Kenyon Rasheed (89) tries to break a tackle as he runs the ball during the NFL preseason football game against the Cleveland Browns on Aug. 6, 1995 in Cleveland. The Giants won the game 19-13. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Gary Harrell (89) points as he gets set to go out for a pass while covered by Cleveland Browns cornerback Antonio Langham (38) during the 1995 NFL preseason football game against the Cleveland Browns on Aug. 6, 1995 in Cleveland. The Giants won the game 19-13. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants tight end Brian Kozlowski (85) steps into action against the Cleveland Browns during the NFL preseason game in Cleveland, OH, Aug. 6, 1995. The Giants defeated the Browns 19-13. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Brad Goebel (8) prepares to throw a pass against the New York Giants in Cleveland, OH, Aug. 6, 1995. The Giants defeated the Browns 19-13. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants running back Herschel Walker (34) tries to break a tackle by Cleveland Browns safety Stevon Moore (27) as he runs the ball during the NFL preseason football game against the Cleveland Browns on Aug. 6, 1995 in Cleveland. The Giants won the game 19-13. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Vinny Testaverde (12) throws a pass against the New York Giants in the NFL preseason game in Cleveland, OH, Aug. 6, 1995. The Giants defeated the Browns 19-13. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants running back Gary Downs (45) carries the ball against the Cleveland Browns during the NFL preseason game in Cleveland, OH, Aug. 6, 1995. The Giants defeated the Browns 19-13. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants guard Derek Allen (69) steps to the line of scrimmage against the Cleveland Browns during the NFL preseason game in Cleveland, OH, Aug. 6, 1995. The Giants defeated the Browns 19-13. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Ray Agnew (93) tackles a Cleveland Browns ball carrier during the NFL preseason game in Cleveland, OH, Aug. 6, 1995. The Giants defeated the Browns 19-13. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Stan White (8) takes off with the ball against the Cleveland Browns during the NFL preseason game in Cleveland, OH, Aug. 6, 1995. The Giants defeated the Browns 19-13. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Kent Graham (10) throws a pass against the Cleveland Browns during the NFL preseason game in Cleveland, OH, Aug. 6, 1995. The Giants defeated the Browns 19-13. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (92) steps off the field against the Cleveland Browns during the NFL preseason game in Cleveland, OH, Aug. 6, 1995. The Giants defeated the Browns 19-13. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants center Brian Williams (59) prepares to snap against the Cleveland Browns during the NFL preseason game in Cleveland, OH, Aug. 6, 1995. The Giants defeated the Browns 19-13. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants safety Jason Sehorn (31) steps off the field against the Cleveland Browns during the NFL preseason game in Cleveland, OH, Aug. 6, 1995. The Giants defeated the Browns 19-13. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (92) steps into action against the Cleveland Browns during the NFL preseason game in Cleveland, OH, Aug. 6, 1995. The Giants defeated the Browns 19-13. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants running back Gary Downs (45) is hit by two Cleveland Browns defenders after a carry during the NFL preseason game in Cleveland, OH, Aug. 6, 1995. The Giants defeated the Browns 19-13. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants center Brian Williams (59) prepares to snap against the Cleveland Browns during the NFL preseason game in Cleveland, OH, Aug. 6, 1995. The Giants defeated the Browns 19-13. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Cleveland Browns fullback Leroy Hoard (33) collides with New York Giants defensive tackle Ray Agnew (93) during the NFL preseason game in Cleveland, OH, Aug. 6, 1995. The Giants defeated the Browns 19-13. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants running back Herschel Walker (34) takes the field against the Cleveland Browns during the NFL preseason game in Cleveland, OH, Aug. 6, 1995. The Giants defeated the Browns 19-13. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Gary Harrell (89) takes off with the ball against the Cleveland Browns during the NFL preseason game in Cleveland, OH, Aug. 6, 1995. The Giants defeated the Browns 19-13. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants kicker Brad Daluiso (3) attempts a field goal against the Cleveland Browns during the NFL preseason game in Cleveland, OH, Aug. 6, 1995. The Giants defeated the Browns 19-13. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Kerry Collins fires a 32-yard touchdown pass to Amani Toomer in the fourth quarter of the Giant's 24-3 win over the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Nov. 5, 2000, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (34) runs with the ball as Cleveland Browns linebacker Leon Williams (94) and defensive back Terry Cousin (25) tackle during a NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
New York Giants center Shaun O'Hara (60)snaps the ball to quarterback Eli Manning (10) during a NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
Shaun O'Hara #60 of the New York Giants calls out signals to the offensive line before a play against the Cleveland Browns on October 13, 2008 in Cleveland. The Browns defeated the Giants 35-14. (Joe Robbins via AP)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 13: Running back Brandon Jacobs #27 of the New York Giants breaks around the outside of the tackles against the Cleveland Browns on Monday, October 13, 2008 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns won the game 35-14. (AP Photo/Thomas E. Witte) Brandon Jacobs
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls out a play during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants gets instructions from quarterbacks coach Kevin Gilbride during a game against the Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium on October 13, 2008 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Giants 35-14. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
FILE In this Oct. 13, 2008 file photo, New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss (89) breaks away from Cleveland Browns safety Mike Adams during an NFL football game in Cleveland. Thrust into a starting role when the Super Bowl champions traded the disgruntled tight end Jeremy Shockey to New Orleans on the eve of training camp, Boss has made the deal that sent the four-time Pro Bowler to the Saints look like a steal for general manager Jerry Reese. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (34) is tackled by Cleveland Browns linebacker D'Qwell Jackson during an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls out a play during an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Derek Anderson (3) holds onto the ball as he's tackled by New York Giants defensive tackle Fred Robbins (98) during an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
New York Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw (44) avoids Cleveland Browns defensive back Terry Cousin (25) on a kick return during an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) changes the play at the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith (12) is tackled by Cleveland Browns safety Brodney Pool (21) during an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) returns a kick against the Cleveland Browns in an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
New York Giants cornerback Aaron Ross (31) breaks up a pass tp Cleveland Browns tight end Darnell Dinkins (87) during an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (17) runs with a pass against Cleveland Browns defensive back Terry Cousin (25) during an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (17) waits for a pass as Cleveland Browns defensive back Brandon McDonald (22) defends during an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) dives into the end zone in the arms of Cleveland Browns linebacker Andra Davis on a 7-yard touchdown run in the second quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) eludes Cleveland Browns safety Mike Adams (20) on a run during an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
New York Giants safety James Butler, right, picks up a Cleveland Browns fumble as Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce blocks Browns lineman Rex Hadnot (70) and running back Jamal Lewis during the second quarter of an NFL preseason football game Monday, Aug. 18, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (17) catches a touchdown pass against Cleveland Browns defensive back Terry Cousin (25) in an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning calls a play at the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning scrambles during the first quarter of a NFL pre-season football game against the Cleveland Browns Monday night, Aug. 18, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Cleveland Browns punter Dave Zastudil, left, punts the ball into one of his teammates resulting in a safety in the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the New York Giants Monday night, Aug. 18, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive back Stuart Schwigert (38) tackles Cleveland Browns tight end Darnell Dinkins as Giants linebackers Tank Daniels, left, and Danny Calrk, right, look on during the fourth quarter of an NFL preseason football game Monday night, Aug. 18, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive back Stuart Schwigert tackles Cleveland Browns tight end Darnell Dinkins (87) during the fourth quarter of an NFL preseason football game Monday night, Aug. 18, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Domenik Hixon (87) outruns Cleveland Browns' David McMillan, left, and A.J. Davis as he returns a kick for an 82-yard touchdown during the first quarter of a NFL preseason football game Monday night, Aug. 18, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Plaxico Burress, right, celebrates with Domenik Hixon, left, and Ahmad Bradshaw (44) after Hixon scored during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Cleveland Browns on Monday night, Aug. 18, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 37-34. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Trent Dilfer (8) looks for an open receiver under pressure from New York Giants' Carlos Emmons (51) and Michael Strahan (92) in the first quarter of the exhibition game Saturday, Aug. 13, 2005, in Cleveland. Browns' L.J. Shelton (66) watches. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber, left, attempts to get by Cleveland Browns defensive back Chris Crocker, right, as Giants' Luke Petitgout blocks Browns' Kenard Lang (96) during the fourth quarter Sunday, Sept. 26, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.. Barber gained 106 yards and ran for a touchdown as the Giants beat the Browns 27-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Cleveland Browns' quarterback Jeff Garcia (5) is sacked by New York Giants' defensive end Michael Strahan (92) during the second half of play on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. The Giants beat the Browns 27-10.(AP Photo/Michael Kim)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan, left, recovers a fumble as he fights Cleveland Browns quarterback Jeff Garcia for the ball during the fourth quarter Sunday, Sept. 26, 2004, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. The ball was snapped over Garcia's head. The Giants won, 27-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan celebrates as he carries the ball off the field after beatint the Cleveland Browns, 27-10, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2004, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress catches a pass from Eli Manning for a touchdown as Cleveland Browns' Gary Baxter defends in the first quarter of the exhibition game Saturday, Aug. 13, 2005, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Scott Galvin)
Cleveland Browns tackle Orpheus Roye (99) stops New York Giants running back Michael Cloud (30) for no gain during the fourth quarter Sunday, Sept. 26, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.. The Giant beat the Browns 27-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Kurt Warner looks for a receiver during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Sept. 26, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.. Warner completed 19 of 27 passes for 286 yards as the Gaints beat the Browns 27-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning hands off the ball to Giants running back Tiki Barber in the first quarter of the exhibition game Saturday, Aug. 13, 2005, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer celebrates after catching a 17 yard touchdown pass against the Cleveland Browns in the third quarter Sunday, Nov. 5, 2000, in Cleveland. Toomer had six catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns in the Giant's 24-3 win. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Cleveland Browns end Ebenezer Ekuban, right, loses his helmet as he pressures New York Giants quarterback Kurt Warner during the first quarter Sunday, Sept. 26, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Tom Carter, left, picks up a first down before being run out of bounds by Cleveland Browns defensive back Earl Little (20) in the first quarter Sunday, Sept. 26, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes to Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey for three yards in the first quarter of the exhibition game against the Cleveland Browns, Saturday, Aug. 13, 2005, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Scott Galvin)
New York Giants' running back Tiki Barber, center, leaps to a touchdown past Cleveland Browns' Earl Little, left, and Leigh Bodden, right, during the first quarter of play on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. The Giants beat the Browns 27-10. (AP Photo/Michael Kim)
New York Giants running back David Wilson reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 41-27. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) does the salsa after scoring a touchdown during a week 5 football game against the Cleveland Browns on October 7, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) runs away from Cleveland Browns cornerback Sheldon Brown (24) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon (87) catches a pass in front of Cleveland Browns defensive back Buster Skrine (22) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw wear a message for Breast Cancer Awareness Month on his eyeblack tape during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 41-27. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants middle linebacker Chase Blackburn (93) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass in the endzone during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 41-27. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin talks to his team following a week 5 win against the Cleveland Browns on October 7, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Cleveland Browns linebacker Marcus Benard, right, tackles New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) talks to his teammates before week 5 football game against the Cleveland Browns on October 7, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) is tackled by Cleveland Browns nose tackle Ishmaa'ily Kitchen during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin acknowledges the crowd while walking off the field at the end of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 41-27. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) scores a touchdown during a week 5 football game against the Cleveland Browns on October 7, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) runs away from Cleveland Browns cornerback Sheldon Brown (24) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants defensive back Prince Amukamara (20) tackles Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jordan Norwood (10) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back David Wilson scores a touchdown run against the Cleveland Browns during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 41-27. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) celebrates with teammate Domenik Hixon (87) after catching his third touchdown pass of the game during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) takes the snap during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) catches a pass for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
The Cleveland Browns line up against the New York Giants during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) catches a touchdown pass in front of Cleveland Browns cornerback Trevin Wade (26) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw runs with the ball against the Cleveland Browns during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 41-27. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) during a week 5 football game against the Cleveland Browns on October 7, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) talks to his teammates before week 5 football game against the Cleveland Browns on October 7, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) celebrates a touchdown by doing the Salsa during a week 5 football game against the Cleveland Browns on October 7, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) catches a touchdown pass in front of Cleveland Browns cornerback Trevin Wade (26) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) during a week 5 football game against the Cleveland Browns on October 7, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) talks to Cleveland Browns players at the end of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 41-27. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin claps while talking to his team before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Cleveland Browns head coach Pat Shurmur shakes hands with New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin after an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 41-27. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (41) breaks up a pass to Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (11) in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul reacts after an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) makes a catch beside Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (23) but lands out of bounds during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in Cleveland. The Giants won 27-13. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Olivier Vernon (54) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in Cleveland. The Giants won 27-13. (AP Photo/David Richard)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) scores a touchdown against Cleveland Browns defensive back Ed Reynolds (39) in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
New York Giants defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (95) walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in Cleveland. The Giants won 27-13. (AP Photo/David Richard)
New York Giants kicker Robbie Gould (5) watches his extra-point kick in the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
New York Giants wide receiver Dwayne Harris (17) celebrates his touchdown catch with his teammates in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (11) dives for yardage against New York Giants strong safety Landon Collins (21) in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham practices before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) runs in a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) celebrates a touchdown with defensive end Olivier Vernon (54) during a week 12 NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on November 27, 2016 in Cleveland. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) celebrates a touchdown with teammates during a week 12 NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on November 27, 2016 in Cleveland. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
A look down the line of scrimmages the New York Giants take on the Cleveland Browns during a week 12 NFL football game on November 27, 2016 in Cleveland. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Dwayne Harris (17) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) talks with Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) following a week 12 NFL football game on November 27, 2016 in Cleveland. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) returns a fumble recovery for a touchdown during a week 12 NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on November 27, 2016 in Cleveland. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Dwayne Harris (17) catches a touchdown pass during a week 12 NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on November 27, 2016 in Cleveland. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants' Dion Lewis (33) evades Cleveland Browns' Cody Parkey (2) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants linebacker Cam Brown (47) leaps to block a kick by Cleveland Browns place kicker Cody Parkey (2) during a NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday Dec.20, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Austin Johnson (98) defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) and linebacker Tae Crowder (48) tackle Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt (27) during a NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday Dec.20, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Colt McCoy (12) in action during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Colt McCoy (12) in action during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Cleveland Browns running back D'Ernest Johnson (30) is brought down by New York Giants free safety Logan Ryan (23), free safety Julian Love (20) and free safety Adrian Colbert (34) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants' Wayne Gallman (22) rushes past Cleveland Browns' Myles Garrett (95) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
While some teams must regularly stay up late, others seldom play under the lights. Jacksonville has appeared just once on Sunday Night Football, losing in 2008 to the Steelers. Miami has played only twice, while Buffalo, Tampa Bay, Tennessee and – in five days - Cleveland have three appearances. So, in flexing Dallas out of a Sunday night game for the first time, the league replaced the Cowboys with a team that will have 47 fewer appearances in the league's most-watched game.
Sunday night records can be measured two ways, and in neither one has the Giants fared particularly well.
The first is from 1978, which is when the Official NFL Record & Fact Book starts listing each team's Sunday record. The other is from 2006, which is the starting point used by the Elias Sports Bureau, the league's official statistician. But Elias counts any game that is part of the SNF "package" as a Sunday night game. The package includes season-opening games played on Thursday and Thanksgiving night.
The Giants' SNF package games include the openers in the seasons following their victories in Super Bowls XLII and XLVI – Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008 and Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2012 – as well as their Thursday night games in 2016 in Philadelphia and Washington in 2017, the latter on Thanksgiving. It does not include their Thanksgiving night game in Denver in 2009, which Elias said was not part of the package.
Since 2006, the Giants are 13-22 (.371) in Sunday night package games (12-19, .387 only on Sunday nights).
Dallas' 27 victories are the most in those games during that time, followed by New England (22) and Pittsburgh (21). The Cowboys also have the most losses (23), with their NFC East rivals the Giants (22) and Philadelphia (18) directly behind them.
New Orleans's .700 winning percentage (14-6) is the league's highest, followed by Seattle's .688 (16-7-1) and Buffalo's .667 (2-1).
The Browns? They are seeking their first Sunday night victory after losing to Pittsburgh on Sept. 14, 2008 and the Rams on Sept. 22, 2019. Both of those games were in Cleveland, so the Browns will try to triumph for the first time in their initial Sunday night road game.
Many of the same teams appear on the lists that begin in 1978. Since then, the Giants are 22-30-1 overall on Sunday night, including 11-12 at home and 11-18-1 on the road.
Elias examined the games since 1978 that were played on Sunday and started at 7 p.m. EST or later and found these numbers:
Most games: Dallas (71), New England (54), Pittsburgh (54), Giants (53)
Most wins: Dallas (35), New England (32), Pittsburgh (29), Green Bay (29)
Most losses: Dallas (36), Giants (30), Chicago (26)
Highest Win Pct.: Miami (19-9, .679), Green Bay (29-16, .644), Seattle (26-16-1, .616)
Lowest Win Pct.: Cleveland (1-10, .091), Cincinnati (3-16, .158), Detroit/Tampa Bay (6-13, .316)
The Giants and Browns will both look to improve on their uninspiring Sunday night numbers when they meet this week in MetLife Stadium.
*For the second time in three weeks, the Giants will face an opponent that played the previous Monday night. Cleveland lost last night to Baltimore – the Giants' opponent next week – 47-42 in a wild and thrilling game. On Dec. 6, the Giants defeated a Seattle team that had won six days earlier in Philadelphia. Since 1990, the Giants are 13-18 against teams that played the previous Monday night.
*The Giants rushed for 78 yards in their loss to Arizona on Sunday. This season, they are 5-3 when they exceed 100 yards on the ground and 0-5 when they don't.
*None of Daniel Jones' 21 passes Sunday were intercepted, extending his streak to a career-long 121 consecutive throws without a pick. His previous long was 110 passes without an interception, from Nov. 4 to Dec. 1, 2019. That streak was ended by Green Bay's Kevin King.
*The Giants were outgained by 231 yards on Sunday, their largest disparity since Minnesota enjoyed a 279-yard advantage (490-211) on Oct. 6, 2019.
*In the last two weeks, the Giants had 100 net passing yards in their victory in Seattle and 81 in the loss to Arizona. It's the first time they've played consecutive games without more than 100 passing yards in either since Dec. 24-30, 2006, when they had 59 yards against Washington and 94 at Washington. The Giants were also 1-1 in those games.
*Cornerback James Bradberry is tied with Tampa Bay's Carlton Davis and Miami's Xavien Howard for the NFL lead with 17 passes defensed.
*Defensive lineman Leonard Williams is tied with Seattle safety Jamal Adams for eighth with 8.5 sacks and tied with the Ram's Aaron Donald for third with 24 quarterback hits.
*The Cardinals rushed for 159 yards on 43 carries, the highest totals by a Giants opponent since Dallas ran for 172 yards on Nov. 4, 2019 and Tennessee had 45 rushing attempts on Dec. 16, 2018.
*Sunday's meeting with Cleveland will be the 1,400th game in Giants history, including postseason games. Here is their record through the first 1,399 games:
Total: 725-641-33
Home: 402-298-16 (not including Super Bowls: 400-297-16)
Road: 323-343-17 (not including Super Bowls: 321-343-17)
*The Giants have played 1,350 regular-season games. They are 701-616-33 overall, including 388-288-16 at home and 313-328-17 on the road.
*Arizona's DeAndre Hopkins caught nine passes for 136 yards in the Cardinals' victory. The nine receptions were tied for the most by a Giants opponent this season; Washington running back J.D. McKissic had nine catches for 65 yards on Nov. 8. Hopkins' yardage total was the highest by a Giants opponent since Tampa Bay's Mike Evans had 190 receiving yards (on eight catches) on Sept. 22, 2019.
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