The Giants hope to end their drought against the Chargers after spending the week training in the desert.
Following their loss in Miami, the team flew to Tucson, Ariz. and set up camp at the University of Arizona ahead of Sunday's game in Los Angeles. The Giants have not defeated the Chargers since 1998, losing to the AFC foes four times in that span.
History aside, the 2021 Giants are looking to ride their surging defense, which has allowed just 16 points per game over the last six outings. The Giants are 3-3 in that stretch after a 1-5 start. The Chargers, meanwhile, look to keep pace in the AFC West, having lost four of their past seven games after a 4-1 start.
"When you talk about prep of your team, the first thing you always think about is the physical prep," coach Joe Judge said about taking the team on the road for the week. "There's a lot of just lag time and wear and tear goes on our bodies throughout the year, but especially when you start piling on those long flights. So, to fly all the way down to Miami, fly all the way back to Jersey, fly all the way out to the West Coast, that's something that over the course of a week there's extra put on their bodies that you want to go ahead and eliminate as best as you can. We thought it was best for our team physically to go ahead and keep them in the heat going from Miami, coming out here to Arizona before going to L.A."
Here are three keys to victory on Sunday:
Hold the line on defense
The Giants' struggles on offense were exacerbated by a neck injury to quarterback Daniel Jones, who missed last week's loss to Miami and has yet to be cleared for contact. Backup Mike Glennon started that game but was then diagnosed with a concussion. Although the Giants expect him to clear protocols in time for Sunday, the next man up is Jake Fromm, who has no NFL regular season experience. The defense is looking to hold up its end of the bargain and then some.
"We're prepared to play some good defense, go get some turnovers, go score some points, support whoever's back there (playing quarterback)," safety and defensive co-captain Logan Ryan said, "and get ready to have some fun on this trip and find a way to win on the west coast."
They will have a tall task against Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, whose 58 touchdown passes trail only Dan Marino's 68 for most in NFL history by a player over his first two seasons. Third down is always a point of emphasis, but the Chargers excel in the area with a 44.4 conversion percentage, fifth-best in the league. But what is surely keeping defensive coordinator Patrick Graham up at night is the Chargers' success rate on third-and-long. They have converted a league-best 38.8 percent of their attempts with more than six yards to go for a first down.
Take pressure off Glennon (or Fromm)
Led by Joey Bosa, a three-time Pro Bowler with 55.0 sacks in 75 career games, the Chargers can put pressure on a quarterback. They had six sacks on Joe Burrow and hit him 11 times in last week's 41-22 victory over the Bengals. They also forced four takeaways.
"The pressure they put on your quarterback, the pressure they put on your receivers down the field, the forced fumbles creating extra opportunities for their offense, they've really taken advantage of that as a team," Judge said. "It's something that they have a lot of success off of. We're going to have to do a good job protecting up front, give time for the quarterback, open the running lanes for our backs, get them going in space. Then, we've got to take advantage of our opportunities to make the plays that are in front of us and extend drives and stay on the field."
Make a play
No Giants running back or wide receiver has scored a touchdown in five games, the longest streak in franchise history, according to NFL Research. The 2008 Browns (six games) are the only team with a longer streak within a season in the Super Bowl era.
"No matter if it's Mike or if it's D.J. or if it's Jake, when the opportunities are there, the plays need to be made," running back Saquon Barkley said coming off the loss to the Dolphins. "And we didn't do that … no matter who was at quarterback."
Barkley added, "We know that we've got to be better on offense. It's something that we haven't been doing this year, haven't been scoring touchdowns. And, you know, I know even though we're tired, I know defense is annoyed too because defense is playing lights out. So we've got to do a better job of playing all three phases. And we're not doing it on our side."
View rare photos of the all-time series between the New York Giants and Los Angeles Chargers ahead of their Week 14 matchup.
San Diego Chargers Jim Tolbert (43) tries to take the ball from New York Giants Coleman Zeno (88) after Zeno tock a pass from quarterback Fran Tarkenton during the first half at New York's Yankee Stadium on Nov. 7, 1971. (AP Photo)
San Diego Charges player Bryant Salter is thrown sprawling by New York Giants Joe Green (33), left, and Joe Morrison (40), right, as he returns kickoff to the San Diego 21-yard line early in the fourth quarter on Nov. 8, 1971 in New York. The Giants won game, 35-17. (AP Photo)
Quarterback Dan Fouts of the San Diego Chargers is picked up and plopped down by Dee Hardison of the New York Giants for a sack in the first quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Oct. 3, 1983. Fouts was 15 for 28 for 215 yards and two touchdowns, but was twice hurt in the shoulder area and did not play the full game. The Chargers won 41-34. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
Kellen Winslow of the San Diego Chargers tries to breakaway from the New York Giants Beasley Reese for the distant goal after catching a Dan Fouts pass in the second quarter on Sunday, Oct. 3, 1983 at Giants Stadium. The play went for 16 yards and a touch down with 49 seconds left in the half. Charges won 41-34. (AP Photo/Bill Nostroun)
New York Giants running back Joe Morris (20) runs the ball during the NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers on September 14, 1986 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 20-7. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
San Diego Chargers guard Sam Claphan (77) blocks New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor (56) during the NFL football game against the New York Giants on Sept. 14, 1986 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 20-7. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Defensive end Michael Strahan (92) of the New York Giants sets on defense against the San Diego Chargers. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants running back Joe Morris (20) runs the ball during the NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers on September 9, 1986 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 20-7. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants quarterback Dave Brown (17) is flushed from the pocket by defensive pressure during the NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers on Dec. 23, 1995 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Chargers won the game 27-17. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants quarterback Dave Brown (17) gets pressured by a defender during the 1995 NFL regular season football game against the San Diego Chargers on Dec. 23, 1995 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Chargers won the game 27-17. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants Michael Strahan does his imitation of San Diego Chargers' Junior Seau as he taunts the Chargers' bench after sacking San Diego quarterback Ryan Leaf in the second quarter of the Giants' 34-16 victory Sunday, Sept. 27, 1998 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)
New York Giants' Jeremy Shockey makes a 30 yard reception while being hit by San Diego Chargers' Bhawoh Jue, left, and Terrence Kiel during the second quarter Sunday Sept. 25, 2005 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Jack Smith)
SAN DIEGO - SEPTEMBER 25: New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (#10) tries to shout out play calls over the hostile crowd against San Diego Chargers on Sunday, September 25, 2005 in San Diego, California. San Diego won the game 45-23. (AP Photo/Thomas E. Witte)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Mannning congratulates San Diego Chargers quarterback Drew Brees after the Chargers 45-23 victory Sunday Sept. 25, 2005 in San Diego. Giants coach Ton Coughlin, right, reaches to congratulate Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
New York Giants receiver Tim Carter hangs onto the ball as San Diego Chargers' Quentin Jammer rides his back during a 44 yard pass recption in the second quarter Sunday Sept. 25, 2005 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Jack Smith)
SAN DIEGO - SEPTEMBER 25: New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (#21) glides through the defensive line for a gain against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday, September 25, 2005 in San Diego, California. San Diego won the game 45-23. (AP Photo/Thomas E. Witte)
SAN DIEGO - SEPTEMBER 25: New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (#10) scrambles out of the pocket while being sacked by the San Diego Chargers during their game on Sunday, September 25, 2005 in San Diego, California. San Diego won the game 45-23. (AP Photo/Thomas E. Witte)
SAN DIEGO - SEPTEMBER 25: New York Giants wide receiver Tim Carter (#84) pulls in a catch while San Diego Chargers corner back Quentin Jammer (#23) tries to break up the pass during Sunday night's game on Sunday, September 25, 2005 in San Diego, California. San Diego won the game 45-23. (AP Photo/Thomas E. Witte)
New York Giants Plaxico Burress pulls in a five yard touchdown pass over San Diego Chargers Quentin Jammer in the second quarter Sunday Sept. 25, 2005 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Jack Smith)
SAN DIEGO - SEPTEMBER 25: New York Giants wide receiver Tim Carter (#84) pulls in a catch while San Diego Chargers corner back Quentin Jammer (#23) tries to break up the pass during Sunday night's game on Sunday, September 25, 2005 in San Diego, California. San Diego won the game 45-23. (AP Photo/Thomas E. Witte)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs the ball during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants cornerback Terrell Thomas (24) moves through the San Diego Chargers defense during the NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
San Diego Chargers QB Philip Rivers #17 in action against the New York Giants during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) runs away from San Diego Chargers safety Kevin Ellison (25) of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) is tackled by San Diego Chargers' Steve Gregory (28) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants Brandon Jacobs #27 in action against the San Diego Chargers during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants FB Madison Hedgecock (39) is tackled during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to pass during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) makes a catch against the San Diego Chargers during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday November 8, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) yells during the NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88), left, is takled by San Diego Chargers cornerback Antoine Cason (20) during the NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) makes a catch against the San Diego Chargers during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday November 8, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
San Diego Chargers quaterback Philip Rivers gets hit by Antonio Pierce (58) and Osi Umenyiora (72) of the New York Giants during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday November 8, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) scrambles during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, left, shakes hands with New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning after an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Chargers won the game 21-20. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants cornerback Bruce Johnson, left, breaks up a pass intended for San Diego Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd (80) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Chargers won 21-20. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) leaps over San Diego Chargers cornerback Quentin Jammer (23) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Chargers won 21-20. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, left, shakes hands with New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning after an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Chargers won the game 21-20. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) is tackled by New York Giants safety Michael Johnson during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
San Diego Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd (80) is tackled by New York Giants linebacker Michael Boley (52) and teammate Terrell Thomas (24) during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs is tackled by San Diego Chargers' Kevin Ellison (25) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) is tackled by San Diego Chargers' Paul Oliver (27) during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to hand off the ball during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs the ball during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) evades the grasp of San Diego Chargers defensive end Jacques Cesaire (74) while scrambling back to the line of scrimmage in the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
quarterback Eli Manning (10) prepares to snap the ball during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks over the defense during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) pulls in a 51-yard reception as San Diego Chargers strong safety Marcus Gilchrist pursues during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) battles at the line of scrimmage during a NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Sunday, December 8, 2013 in San Diego. The Chargers won the game 37-14. (AP Photo/Paul Jasienski)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz avoids San Diego Chargers cornerback Richard Marshall, right, as he runs with a reception during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
New York Giants running back Peyton Hillis carries the ball into the end zone while San Diego Chargers linebacker Manti Te'o attempts to take the ball away on a 1-yard touchdown run during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
New York Giants running back Andre Brown runs through a hole in the San Diego Chargers defense during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) talks to San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) after a week 14 football game against the San Diego Chargers on December 8, 2013 in San Diego, California (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz avoids San Diego Chargers cornerback Richard Marshall as he runs with a reception during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz avoids San Diego Chargers cornerback Richard Marshall as he runs with a reception during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the San Diego Chargers take on the New York Giants during a week 14 football game on December 8, 2013 in San Diego, California (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks gives the first down signal after his 51 yard reception against the San Diego Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks pulls in a 51 yard reception as San Diego Chargers strong safety Marcus Gilchrist gives chase during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) makes a catch during a week 14 football game against the San Diego Chargers on December 8, 2013 in San Diego, California (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Peyton Hillis points after his 1-yard touchdown run against the San Diego Chargers during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
San Diego Chargers running back Danny Woodhead (39) fights for a pass with New York Giants cornerback Jayron Hosley (28) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (93) beats a block during an NFL game against the San Diego Chargers on December 8, 2013. The Chargers defeated the Giants 37-14. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) battles at the line of scrimmage during a NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Sunday, December 8, 2013 in San Diego. The Chargers won the game 37-14. (AP Photo/Paul Jasienski)
New York Giants tight end Brandon Myers pulls in a 5-yard touchdown pass against the San Diego Chargers during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) talks to San Diego Chargers linebacker Manti Teo after a week 14 football game against the San Diego Chargers on December 8, 2013 in San Diego, California (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) runs upfield with a reception during an NFL game against the San Diego Chargers on December 8, 2013. The Chargers defeated the Giants 37-14. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning stands behind a protective wall of blockers while throwing a pass during the first half of a NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)
New York Giants wide receiver Roger Lewis (18) makes a touchdown catch on a pass from quarterback Eli Manning not pictured, as Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Casey Hayward (26) defends on the play during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants long snapper Zak DeOssie (51) during a NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday October 8, 2017 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa (26) picks up yardage as he is pursued by Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Corey Liuget (94) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) attempts to get by Los Angeles Chargers free safety Tre Boston (33) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa (26) runs with the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa (26) rushes in a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Roger Lewis (18) makes a touchdown catch on a pass form quarterback Eli Manning, not pictured, as Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Casey Hayward (26) defends on the play during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Dwayne Harris (17) attempts to avoid a tackle by Los Angeles Chargers free safety Tre Boston (33) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
The Los Angeles Chargers offense lines up against the New York Giants for a field goal during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to pass against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa (26) carries the ball in an NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa (26) runs with the ball as Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Charmeachealle Moore makes the hit during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Dwayne Harris runs with the ball as Los Angeles Chargers' Tre Boston (33) tries to make the hit during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
