EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – All the news this week about false-positive COVID tests and changing schedules on the fly obscured the likelihood that the Giants will face one of their biggest challenges this season when they host the Las Vegas Raiders in MetLife Stadium.
Winners of their last two games, the Raiders are 5-2, the leaders in the AFC West and well-rested coming off their bye. The 2-6 Giants have lost three of their last four, including Monday night in Kansas City, 20-17.
"This is a very well-balanced, very well-coached, very explosive team," Coach Joe Judge said of the Raiders. "They've got a lot of weapons on offense. They've got some playmakers on defense that can really get after you in the pass game and can play very advantageous in coverage and they're very well-coached and they've got a very good special teams core."
Las Vegas is 2-0 since interim coach Rich Bisaccia replaced Jon Gruden on Oct. 11.
"Richie's a guy I've known for some time now, he's done a terrific job," Judge said.
The Giants will enter their bye week after the game and do not want to spend two weeks stewing over another loss.
"It's a big week for us," quarterback Daniel Jones said. "They all are. With the bye coming up, it's a big game for us and we'll approach it like we do for all games and make sure we're prepared and ready to go. … Everything's a little bit better coming off a win."
View rare photos of the history between the Giants and Raiders ahead of their Week 9 matchup.
JIm Otto (00) of the Oakland Raiders is pictured in action during Sunday's game against the New York Giants in Oakland, Ca., on Nov. 5, 1973. (AP Photo)
New York Giants Lawrence Taylor (56) breaks a block during the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Raiders in Los Angeles, California on November 27, 1983. Raiders won the game 27-12. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants Lawrence Taylor (56) moves toward the play during the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Raiders in Los Angeles, California on November 27, 1983. The Raiders won the game 27-12. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) runs upfield against the New York Giants in 1983. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Floyd Eddings (88) evades tacklers during the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Raiders in Los Angeles, California on November 27, 1983. The Raiders won the game 27-12. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Los Angeles Raiders Howie Long (75) wrestles with an opponent during the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Raiders in Los Angeles, California on November 27, 1983.The Raiders won the game 27-12. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Los Angeles Raiders' Jim Plunkett is dogged by New York Giants' George Martin, Sunday, Sept. 22, 1986 during NFL game at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (AP Photo/Lennox McLendon)
Los Angeles Raider Jim Plunkett (16), the oldest quarterback in the NFL, gets popped from behind by New York Giants' Andy Headen, forcing an early turnover during first-half action at the Coliseum in Los Angeles, Sept. 21, 1986. Also in on the play are Giants' Jerome Sally (78), and Raiders' Mickey Marvin. (AP Photo/Bob Galbraith)
Los Angeles Raiders quarterback Jim Plunkett (16) is dogged by New York Giants George Martin during their game at the Coliseum in Los Angeles, Sept. 22, 1986. (AP Photo/Lennox Mclendon)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) raises his arms and calls an audible during the NFL football game against the Los Angeles Raiders on December 24, 1989 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 34-17. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Ottis "OJ" Anderson (24) runs the ball during the NFL football game against the Los Angeles Raiders on December 24, 1989 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 34-17. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor (56) chases Los Angeles Raiders running back Bo Jackson (34) during the NFL football game against the Los Angeles Raiders on Dec. 24, 1989 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 34-17. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Los Angeles Raiders quarterback Steve Beuerlein (7) and New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (7) chat following a 34-17 Giants victory on December 24, 1989, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Los Angeles Raiders' quarterback Steve Beuerlein (7) is sacked for a nine yard loss by New York Giants' Johnie Cooks in the first quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Dec. 24, 1989. (AP Photo/Tim Clary)
New York Giants fullback Maurice Carthon (44) get tackled from behind by Los Angeles Raiders defensive end Mike Wise (90) during the NFL football game against the Los Angeles Raiders on Dec. 24, 1989 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 34-17. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants running back Ottis Anderson (24) runs the ball during the NFL game against the Oakland Raiders on December 24, 1989 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 34-17. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Los Angeles Raiders running back Eric Dickerson (29) is pursued by New YOrk Giants defensive back Mark Collins (25) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 1992, in Los Angeles. The Raiders defeated the Giants 13-10. (Kirby Lee via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor (56) runs in pursuit during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Raiders at the Los Angeles Coliseum on October 4, 1992. The Raiders defeated the Giants 13-10. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
New York Giants Phil Simms (11) in action during a game against the Los Angeles Raiders on October 4, 1992 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. The Raiders beat the Giants 13-10.(AP Photo/David Durochik)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) sets up to pass during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Raiders, Oct. 4, 1992. The Raiders defeated the Giants 13-10 at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (AP Photo/NFL Photos/Kevin Terrell)
Oakland Raiders vs. New York Giants at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, September 13, 1998. Raiders beat Giants 20-17. Oakland Raiders wide receiver Terry Mickens (85) get away from New York Giants linebacker Ryan Phillips (91). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
New York Giants quarterback Danny Kanell scrambles away from pressure against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants Tiki Barber runs for yardage against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan sacks Oakland Raiders quarterback Jeff George during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants defensive tackle Robert Harris runs through blockers as he rushes in against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants defensive end Jessie Armstead rushes in as he fights off a block by the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants linebacker Marcus Buckley lunges to make a tackle against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants quarterback Danny Kanell drops back as he looks to pass against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Oakland Raiders vs. New York Giants at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, September 13, 1998. Raiders beat Giants 20-17. New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) pulls way from Oakland Raiders linebacker Greg Biekert (54). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Oakland Raiders center Barett Robbins prepares to snap the ball against the New York Giants during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Oakland Raiders quarterback Jeff George throws a pass against the New York Giants during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Oakland Raiders vs. New York Giants at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, September 13, 1998. Raiders beat Giants 20-17. Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Chuck Osborne (98) rushes New York Giants quarterback Danny Kanell (13). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Oakland Raiders vs. New York Giants at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, September 13, 1998. Raiders beat Giants 20-17. Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Grady Jackson (90) attempts to hold on to New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Oakland Raiders tight end Rickey Dudley is tackled by New York Giants Tito Wooten (29) and Marcus Buckley (55) during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Oakland Raiders vs. New York Giants at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, September 13, 1998. Raiders beat Giants 20-17. New York Giants wide receiver Ike Hilliard (88). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Oakland Raiders vs. New York Giants at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, September 13, 1998. Raiders beat Giants 20-17. New York Giants full back Charles Way (30) gets away from Oakland Raiders linebacker Greg Biekert (54). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Oakland Raiders vs. New York Giants at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, September 13, 1998. Raiders beat Giants 20-17. New York Giants guard Greg Bishop (78) and tackle Roman Oben (72) touch hand before play starts. (AP Photo/Al Golub)
New York Giants wide receiver Ike Hilliard squeezes into the endzone for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, Sept. 13, 1998 in Oakland, Calif.(AP Photo/John Todd)
New York Giants kicker Morten Andersen kicks a 47 yard field goal in the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders Sunday, Nov. 25, 2001 in East Rutherford, N.J. The holder is Jason Garrett. Defending for the Raiders are defensive end Tony Bryant (94) and linebacker William Thomas (59). (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
New York Giants' cornerback Will Allen, left, breaks up a pass intended for the Oakland Raiders' Jerry Porter (84) in the first half of NFL football action on Saturday Dec. 31, 2005, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Wide receiver Plaxico Burress #17 of the New York Giants catches a pass while defended by Stanford Routt #26 of the Oakland Raiders at McAfee Coliseum on December 31, 2005 in Oakland, California. The Giants defeated the Raiders 30-21. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Brad Badger #70 of the Oakland Raiders blocks Nick Greisen #54 of the New York Giants at McAfee Coliseum on December 31, 2005 in Oakland, California. The Giants defeated the Raiders 30-21. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Visanthe Shiancoe #82 of the New York Giants on a pass catch and run against the Oakland Raiders at McAfee Coliseum on December 31, 2005 in Oakland, California. The Giants defeated the Raiders 30-21. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Running back Tiki Barber #21 of the New York Giants runs the ball against the Oakland Raiders at McAfee Coliseum on December 31, 2005 in Oakland, California. The Giants defeated the Raiders 30-21. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants' running back Brandon Jacobs (27) gets into the end zone for a one-yard touchdown as quarterback Eli Manning, left, looks on against the Oakland Raiders in the second half of NFL football action on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005 in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
New York Giants' receiver Plaxico Burress, left, stiff-arms the Oakland Raiders' Renaldo Hill on his way to a 78-yard touchdown catch and run in the first half of NFL football action on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber (21) breaks through the Oakland Raiders' defense including cornerback Nnandi Asomugha, left, on his way to 95-yard rushing touchdown in the first half of NFL football on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005 in Oakland, Calif. The touchdown gave Barber a team-record of 50 rushing touchdowns. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
New York Giants' Kendrick Clancy, right, reaches to sack Oakland Raiders' quarterback Kerry Collins in the fourth quarter of their in NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005. The Giants won, 30-21. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Oakland Raiders' quarterback Kerry Collins, left, throws under pressure from the New York Giants' Michael Strahan, right, in the first half of NFL football action on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber, top, dives over Oakland Raiders' Jarrod Cooper in the third quarter of their in NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005. The Giants won, 30-21. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
New York Giants' Chad Morton (29) returns a punt for 58 yards to the three-yard line against the Oakland Raiders in the second half of NFL football action on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2005 in Oakland, Calif. New York won, 30-21. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) runs the ball 19 yards for his 2nd first quarter first touchdown that gives the Giants a 14-0 lead during the NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, October 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 44-7. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) runs the ball 19 yards for his 2nd first quarter first touchdown that gives the Giants a 14-0 lead during the NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, October 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 44-7. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka (94) strips Oakland Raiders quaterback JaMarcus Russell (2) during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday October 11, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
Oakland Raiders linebacker Thomas Howard (53) forces New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) outof bounds during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) makes a catch over Oakland Raiders defender Nnamdi Asomugha (21) during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday October 11, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith (12) makes a catch and gets tackled by defensive back Stanford Routt (26) against the Oakland Raiders during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday October 11, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw dodges a tackle by Oakland Raiders cornerback Chris Johnson during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks catches a pass with Oakland Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha defending in the third quarter during of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) reacts after Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell (2) fumbled the ball while being sacked during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants recovered the ball, on the way to a 44-7 win. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith catches a pass for 43 yards as Oakland Raiders cornerback Hiram Eugene defends in the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 44-7. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Oakland Raiders defensive end Jay Richardson (98) tackles New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Oakland Raiders' Jonathan Holland (23) is tackled by New York Giants' Jonathan Goff (54), Travis Beckum and Clint Sintim (97) on a punt return during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 44-7. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) talks with Oakland Raiders' Bruce Gradkowski (5) after an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) is tackled by Oakland Raiders' Tyvon Branch (33) and Hiram Eugene (31) during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 44-7. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell (2) is hit by New York Giants linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka (94) as he throws a pass during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell, left, is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Dave Tollefson during the third quarter during of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 44-7. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants offensive tackle David Diehl, center, blocks Oakland Raiders defensive end Richard Seymour (92) as New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning passes the ball during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw runs for a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell (2) is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck, left, during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. Russell fumbled the ball on the play which was recovered by Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter of an NFL football game as Oakland Raiders Mike Mitchell (34) looks on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) reacts after catching a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka (94) sacks and causes a fumble of Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) during a week 10 football game on November 10, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the Oakland Raiders in a week 10 football game on November 10, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle, left, catches a touchdown pass as Oakland Raiders cornerback Mike Jenkins (21) defends on the play during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka (94) forces a fumble on Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle keeps his feet in bounds as he catches a touchdown pass as Oakland Raiders cornerback Mike Jenkins (21) defends on the play during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Andre Brown (35) bounces off Oakland Raiders middle linebacker Nick Roach (53) as guard David Diehl (66) defends on the play during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) is tackled by Oakland Raiders free safety Charles Woodson (24) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) is hit by New York Giants outside linebacker Keith Rivers (55) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) tries to avoid New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) during the first half of NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle, left, runs with the ball with Oakland Raiders cornerback Mike Jenkins (21) in pursuit during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants players follow safety Cooper Taylor (30) while celebrating after Taylor picked up a blocked punt for a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Andre Brown runs with the ball against the Oakland Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) is tackled by Oakland Raiders strong safety Brandian Ross (29) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) is hit by New York Giants outside linebacker Keith Rivers (55) during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) runs with the ball after making a catch as Oakland Raiders cornerback Phillip Adams (28) tugs on his jersey during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) makes a catch during a week 10 football game against the Oakland Raiders on November 10, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) catches a pass as Oakland Raiders middle linebacker Nick Roach (53) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka (94) sacks and causes a fumble of Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) during a week 10 football game on November 10, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa (26) runs with the ball during a NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, December 3, 2017 in Oakland. The Raiders won the game 24-17. (Paul Jasienski via AP)
New York Giants' Shane Smith (43) tackles Oakland Raiders punter Marquette King (7) during the first half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa (26) runs against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa (26) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a week 9 football game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday November 8th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) intercepts a pass during a week 9 football game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday November 8th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Xavier McKinney (29)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a week 9 football game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday November 8th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Dexter Lawrence (97)
The Giants couldn't corral one in Kansas City, despite holding the Chiefs to a pair of field goals in the second half. A series of mistakes and missed opportunities doomed them.
One positive to take forward was the performance of the defense. One week after holding the Carolina Panthers to three points, the high-scoring Chiefs tied their second-lowest point total of the season. In the past two games, the Giants D has allowed 23 points after allowing an average of 29.5 points through the first five weeks. The improvement mirrors the strides the defense made last year when opponents averaged 26.6 points in the first five games and 20.4 afterward.
"I think what ends up happening is we end up playing better and I end up calling the game better," defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. "Obviously, you would like that timetable to be a little bit faster. It's obviously not acceptable. Even Monday night was not acceptable - we lost the game, so I obviously could have done more and I'm sure the players felt like they could have done more. Thankfully, we have an opportunity this week against Las Vegas. I think really the thing that happens naturally with defenses is the communication becomes better over time, you get more and more comfortable working with one another. Again, I've got to obviously speed up my process in terms of figuring out where to put guys in the right spot."
That's a good place to start against the Raiders, who arrive with a formidable array of weapons. In a 33-22 victory against Philadelphia two weeks ago, quarterback David Carr completed 31 of 34 passes, a 91.2 completion percentage that was the second-highest single-game mark in history for a quarterback throwing at least 30 passes (New Orleans' Drew Brees completed 96.7% of his throws vs. Indianapolis on Dec. 16, 2019). Las Vegas has arguably the NFL's finest receiving tight end in Pro Bowler Darren Waller. Wideouts Hunter Renfrow and Bryan Edwards have combined for 56 catches. The Raiders no longer have Henry Ruggs III, who was released this week following his arrest for his involvement in a deadly auto accident.
"It'll be interesting to see this week because, with Las Vegas and their offense, the quarterback is playing at a pretty high level," Graham said. "Again, we're going through a string right now where we're going to be seeing a lot of good quarterbacks – last week, (Patrick) Mahomes, you've got Carr this week when we get back off the bye, we have Tom (Brady). But Carr (went) 31 of 34 the last time they played. After he threw that pick, he was pretty much perfect in terms of his QB rating. He has weapons all over the field, so it's going to be a challenge, but we'll see if it's clicking."
"That game against the Eagles was a clinic, an offensive clinic," safety Logan Ryan said. "He's got great command of his system and the quarterback has a lot on his plate at the line of scrimmage. I know in that system he's calling a lot of plays at the line of scrimmage. When he knows what you're in, he's calling a good play against that defense and he's taking the profit. He's an accurate thrower, he's a smart thrower of the football, he's taking care of the ball. Like I said, he's operating the quarterback position at one of the highest levels in the league right now. You've got to give him his respect. Again, a staple of what we do is we've got to make it difficult on him pre-snap in what he does and what he's seeing and not let it be the truth all the time, only the truth some of the times. Make him hopefully check into some plays that aren't ideal, so he does worse than 31 of 34."
The Giants' offense will try to dent a defense that has improved markedly under first-year coordinator Gus Bradley. Last year's Raiders were 25th in the NFL, allowing 389.1 yards a game. They're currently 14th, surrendering an average of 354.0 yards. Opposing points per game have dropped to 23.7 from 29.9.
Linebacker Denzel Perryman, acquired in a trade with Carolina on Aug. 26, is second in the NFL with 81 tackles (51 solo).
"In general, their scheme isn't overly complicated, but what they do, they do really well," offensive coordinator Jason Garrett said. "These guys are really good upfront. The linebackers are fast and active. They have good cover guys in the secondary. They make a lot of plays on the ball. They play the game the right way. They're fast, and they're physical. They disrupt both the run game and the pass game. They're playing at a really high level right now."
Both Judge and Garrett said the Raiders' defensive speed jumps out on tape.
"They have fast players, and they play fast," Garrett said. "They value playing fast. They run to the ball. Everybody sprints and hustles to the ball on every snap, and they're going to get the ball. They tackle well. There's a lot of people at the tackle, and all those fundamentals of really good defensive football is what these guys do. It's a tribute to the coaching staff and those guys they have playing over there."
Because of the NFL's new 17-game schedule, the midway point of the Giants' season will officially occur at halftime. What do the Giants want to see in the second half of the season?
"The same thing coach Judge told us, I think it was against the Rams when we were down pretty bad at halftime, he wanted to see guys keep fighting, no quit," defensive lineman Leonard Williams said. "I don't want to compare, but similar to last year, I think we had that same type of mindset of not quitting and keep fighting. We ended up being one game away from going to the playoffs. I think if we continue to fight knowing that this is a long season and our best football is ahead of us, this is the time to try to make a run."
Beating the Raiders would be a great first step.
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