EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – For the first time since 1996, the Giants will play their final two regular-season games at home when they host the Los Angeles Rams Sunday and Philadelphia next week. (Note: In 2011, they closed with a pair of games in MetLife Stadium, but the first was a Jets home game.) The Giants lost those final two games of '96.
When the schedule was released in May, the Giants hoped to be – at worst - in postseason contention at this juncture. But they were officially excluded from the postseason party with their Christmas Day loss to the Eagles. At 5-10 and with two consecutive defeats, they can only hope for a successful ending.
For the players and coaches, that is motivation enough.
"This is the NFL," running back Saquon Barkley said. "Go out there and compete, try to win. That's the goal every week, go out try to find a way to win the football game, and it doesn't change. Obviously, in two weeks, we'll be going home, so the mindset is try to finish the season as strong as we can.
"I think everyone is kind of focused with the same attitude not only that I have; I think that's kind of just the message from the coaches, from Dabs (coach Brian Daboll), to go out there and win and compete. That's what the NFL is about. Obviously, it's unfortunate that we're not in a scenario where we can continue to compete and make the playoffs, but there's a lot of people that would love to be in our position. So, you've just got to keep that mindset, go out there, play at a high level, and try your best to come out with a win, like every other week."
Certainly 13-year quarterback Tyrod Taylor has plenty of incentive. He will start his fourth game of the season and first since Oct. 29. Taylor's record as a regular season starter is 27-27-1 (1-3 earlier this season) and in addition to his team goals, one would certainly think he would like to push his personal record above .500.
"It's not a 'me' thing," Taylor said. "It's a team sport, and I'm excited for our guys to go out for these last two weeks to put our best foot forward and to compete at a high level. Regardless of playoffs or not, there's always something to play for and that's the mindset that we've got to have."
Two weeks ago, coming off a victory against Green Bay, it seemed Tommy DeVito would start the season's final four games at quarterback. But with the offense sputtering, Daboll turned to Taylor to start the second half last week, then later announced he would start against the Rams.
"It means everything to me," Taylor said of his opportunity. "I mean, obviously, the work that you put in week in and week out. I've been playing this game for a long time and anytime I get a chance to lace up the cleats and go out and compete means the world to me. That's where I'm the happiest, and it's what I love to do, to be able to go out and not only show your peers but prove to yourself what you can do."
In his two quarters of action on Monday, Taylor completed seven of 16 passes for 133 yards, including a 69-yard touchdown to Darius Slayton that was the Giants' longest score in more than four years. His only interception of the season was on a throw into the end zone on the game's final play.
"I think Tyrod did a great job just stepping up," offensive coordinator Mike Kafka said. "He made some big plays, he did some nice things with the football with his legs. I was not shocked. I think he's a guy that's going to prep and do it the right way and he did a nice job stepping in for us.
"He's been in the league for 13 years; I think it's a lot that he does. Not just on the field but as a leader, as a good teammate. I think Tyrod does a hell of a job in the huddle, getting guys organized so there's a lot of things that he does just outside of playing the quarterback position that makes him special."
Taylor will operate knowing defensive tackle Aaron Donald, the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, will frequently be lurking.
"One of the best to ever do it," Daboll said. "He's always a problem when you play him. As much as you try to gameplan for him, he always finds ways to make plays. He's one of the best defensive players, he's unbelievable."
The Rams arrive in New Jersey with victories in five of their last six games, an 8-7 record, and the postseason motivation the Giants lack. The Rams currently hold the sixth seed in the NFC and will clinch the playoffs with victories in each of their final two games (including at San Francisco in Week 18).
The Giants defense will be challenged by one of the NFL's most prolific offenses. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has thrown 14 touchdown passes and one interception in his last five games.
"I think that Stafford is playing at a Hall of Fame-type level," defensive coordinator Wink Martindale said. "They have gelled offensively. Matthew is making throws that you just sit there and go, 'Wow.' From all different kind of arm angles, no looks, all those things you've heard about, you're seeing him do it and they're playing at a very high level.
"The thing that (Rams coach) Sean (McVay) has done is that they've made a commitment to the run game and changing their offensive line this year. Now it's a two-headed monster that you have to deal with. So, they put you in a bind of what you want to try to do and how you're going to try to do it."
The Rams already have a 1,000-yard rusher in Kyren Williams (1,057 yards and nine touchdowns in just 11 games) and a 1,000-yard receiver (rookie Puca Nacua has 96 receptions for 1,327 yards and five scores). Cooper Kupp and Demarcus Robinson have four touchdown catches apiece.
"That's a talented group," cornerback Adoree' Jackson said. "I feel like Sean McVay, a lot of people give him hell, but he's as brilliant as the best of them at calling plays and designing them. You have a great quarterback who knows the game, understands the game, a Hall of Famer. Kyren does a great job. Offenses that have a good quarterback and some receivers and can run the ball are pretty dynamic. As you can see, that's why they put up a lot of points on the board."
View rare photos of the history between the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams.
The L.A. Rams and New York Giants raise dust during game action at Los Angeles, Aug. 23, 1957. Identifiable players are Rams' Don Burroughs (25) and Dick Daugherty (50). (Vic Stein via AP)
A night game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New York Giants at Los Angeles, Sept. 15, 1960. Identifiable players are: Rams Dick Bass (22), Charlie Bradshaw (79), and New York's Dick Nolan (25), Lindon Crow (41) and Jimmy Patton (20). Giants won, 20-6. (Vic Stein via AP)
Erich Barnes (49), New York Giants halfback, blocks field goal attempt by Los Angeles Rams' Danny Villanueva (11) in first period of NFL game in New York's Yankee Stadium, Oct. 22, 1961. Los Angeles quarterback Frank Ryan (15) held the ball for Villanueva. (AP Photo)
New York Giant end Del Shofner (85) has his eyes on the ball and his hands ready to catch a fourth quarter Charley Conerly pass, top left, as Los Angeles Ram Alvin Hall (46) appears to be outrun. All the giants passes weren't in vain. Conerly completed two for touchdowns in the fourth quarter to give giants a 24-14 win at Yankee stadium in New York on Oct. 22, 1961. It was giants first win at home this season. (AP Photo)
Les Josephson (34) of the Los Angeles Rams runs into a driving tackle by New York Giants Tom Longo (44) after a short gain in the first period of their game at Yankee Stadium, Dec. 20, 1970, New York. Giants Spider Lockhart (43) got a piece of the tackle. Coming up to help are Giants Scott Eaton (20) and Willie Williams (41). (AP Photo)
New York Giants tight end Bob Tucker on Dec. 20, 1970 at New York's Yankee Stadium. (AP Photo/ML)
Fran Tarkenton, the Giants quarterback, gets off a pass, incomplete, in the face of a furious charge by a trio of Los Angeles Rams defenders in the second period at Yankee Stadium, Dec. 20, 1970, New York. Closing in on Tarkenton are Jack Pardee (32), Coy Bacon (79) and Diron Talbert. (AP Photo)
Rams' running back John Cappelletti, the former Heisman winner, is dragged down by a shirt tackle as he tried to circle the New York Giants' left side in Los Angeles Sunday, Sept. 26, 1976. Giant linebacker Brad Van Pelt pulls him down. At right is New York's Dave Gallagher. (AP Photo/George Brich)
New York Giants linebacker Dan Lloyd (54) stops Los Angeles Rams running back Wendell Tyler (26) during an NFL game at the Los Angeles Coliseum on October 28, 1979. The Giants defeated the Rams 20-14. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New York Giants running back Doug Kotar (44) leaps as he runs upfield during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Coliseum on September 26, 1976. The Rams defeated the Giants 24-10. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New York Giants Hall of Fame running back Larry Csonka (39) runs upfield after taking a handoff from quarterback Craig Morton (15) during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Coliseum on September 26, 1976. The Rams defeated the Giants 24-10. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Craig Morton (15) throws a pass during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Coliseum on September 26, 1976. The Rams defeated the Giants 24-10. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New York Giants Quarterback Scott Brunner (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
Los Angeles Rams star running back Eric Dickerson (29) makes a short gain during early NFL action against the New York Giants in Anaheim Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 1, 1984, Anaheim, Calif. The Rams defeated the Giants 33-12. (AP Photo/Liu Heung Shing)
Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Irv Pankey (75) lead blocks for Los Angeles Rams running back Eric Dickerson (29) as New York Giants defensive end Leonard Marshall (70) gives chase during the NFL football game against the New York Giants on Nov. 10, 1985 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 24-19. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants running back Ottis Anderson rushes for a third quarter touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in an NFC playoff game at Giants Stadium, Jan. 7, 1990 in East Rutherford. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jim Everett (11) takes a hard hit from New York Giants defensive end Leonard Marshall (70) after throwing a pass during the Rams 19-13 overtime victory in the 1989 NFC Divisional Playoff Game on Jan. 7, 1990 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants running back Ottis Anderson (24) scores on a 2-yard run during a 19 - 13 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the 1989 NFC Divisional Playoff Game on Jan. 7, 1990 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) moves in the pocket to avoid Rams linebacker Kevin Greene (91) during the Giants 19-13 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the 1989 NFC Divisional Playoff Game on January 7, 1990 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants running back Ottis Anderson (24) scores on a 2-yard touchdown run during a19 - 13 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the1989 NFC Divisional Playoff Game on Jan. 7, 1990 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) rolls out during a 19 - 13 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the 1989 NFC Divisional Playoff Game on Jan. 7, 1990 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
New York Giants running back Ottis Anderson (24) gains nine yards of his team-leading 60 yards during third quarter action against the Los Angeles Rams in Anaheim, Calif., Nov. 12, 1990. On the same possession Anderson scored on a three-yard touchdown run. New York marched to a 31-7 win to remain unbeaten. (AP Photo/Craig Fuji)
With teammate Mark Bavaro (89) leading the way, New York Giants running back Ottis Anderson (24) gains nine yards of his team-leading 60 yards during third quarter action against the Los Angeles Rams in Anaheim, Calif., Nov. 12, 1990. On the same possession Anderson scored on a three-yard touchdown run. New York marched to a 31-7 win to remain unbeaten. (AP Photo/Craig Fuji)
New York Giants cornerback Willie Beamon (21) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams Oct. 16, 1994, in Los Angeles. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Ed McCaffrey (81) runs a pass pattern during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sept. 19, 1993. The Giants defeated the Rams 20-10. (AP Photo/NFL Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants Rodney Hampton(27) in action during a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California on October 16, 1994. The Rams beat the Giants 17-10. Rodney Hampton played for 8 years all with the Giants and was a 2-time Pro Bowler.(AP Photo/David Durochik)
New York Giants defensive tackle Keith Hamilton (75) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams Oct. 16, 1994, in Los Angeles. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Keith Hamilton (75) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams Oct. 16, 1994, in Los Angeles. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Corey Miller (57) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams Oct. 16, 1994, in Los Angeles. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Keith Hamilton (75) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams Oct. 16, 1994, in Los Angeles. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Keith Hamilton (75) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams Oct. 16, 1994, in Los Angeles. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Corey Miller (57) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams Oct. 16, 1994, in Los Angeles. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Keith Hamilton (75) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams Oct. 16, 1994, in Los Angeles. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
St. Louis Rams quarterback Kurt Warner is flushed out of the pocket as teammate Marshall Faulk (28) holds off New York Giants' Michael Strahan in the third quarter Sunday, Dec. 19, 1999, at the Trans World Dome in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants Michael Strahan hits St. Louis Quarterback Kurt warner after he releases the ball in the third quarter Sunday, October 14, 2001 at the Dome at Americas Center in St. Louis.(AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
St. Louis Rams running back Marshall Faulk, right, has the ball knocked from his hands as he was hit by New York Giants' Will Allen, left, and Mike Barrow, top, during the first half Sunday, Oct. 14, 2001, in St. Louis, Mo. The Rams won 15-14.(AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber gains 11 yards during the fourth quarter as St. Louis Rams Grant Wistrom, bottom right, and Aeneas Williams attempt to tackle him Sunday, Sept.7, 2003, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Barber had 24 carries for 146 yards as the Giants beat the Rams, 23-13. Looking on is Rams Jerametrius Butler (23). (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) slips past the St. Louis Rams' Grant Wistrom (98) during the first quarter of their football game in St. Louis Sunday, Sept. 15, 2002. (AP Photo/James A. Finley)
New York Giants cornerback Curtis Deloatch (39) breaks up a pass in the end zone intended for St. Louis Rams wide receiver Torry Holt, left, during the second quarter Sunday, Oct. 2, 2005 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger, center, is brought down by the New York Giants' Michael Strahan during the third quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Oct. 2, 2005. Bulger attempted 62 passes, completing 40 as the Rams lost 44-24. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
The New York Giants' Jeremy Shockey, right, holds on to the ball as his facemask is pulled back by the St. Louis Rams' Michael Hawthorne, second from left, in the second quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Oct. 2, 2005. At left is the Rams' Pisa Tinoisamoa. Hawthorne received a penalty on the play. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
New York Giants linebacker Reggie Torbor, left, intercepts a pass intended for St. Louis Rams wide receiver Shaun McDonald (84) during the fourth quarter Sunday, Oct. 2, 2005 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Torbor returned it 37 yards, as the Giants beat the Rams 44-24. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
The New York Giants' Plaxico Burress, center, pulls in an end-zone catch for his second touchdown of the day as the St. Louis Rams' DeJuan Groce, left, and Michael Hawthorne, right, defend in the second quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Oct. 2, 2005. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning throws a pass as he is pressured by St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Tyoka Jackson (97) during the second quarter Sunday, Oct. 2, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Manning completed 19 of 35 passes for 296 yards and four touchdwn passes as the Giants beat the Rams, 44-24. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (17) catches a pass for a 16-yard gain as St. Louis Rams cornerback Fakhir Brown during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. The Giants won 41-13. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burres, left, catches a touchdown as St. Louis Rams safety Oshiomogho Atogwe looks on during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) is pulled down by the St. Louis Rams defensive back Ron Bartell, left, as the Rams' Will Witherspoon, left, looks on during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs with the ball during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (34) runs with the ball as St. Louis Rams linebacker Will Witherspoon (51) defends during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon, right, catches a pass for a 32-yard gain as St. Louis Rams cornerback Fakhir Brown, left, defends during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress catches a 33-yard touchdown pass as St. Louis Rams safety Oshiomogho Atogwe, left, looks on during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) catches a pass for an 18-yard gain before being pulled down by St. Louis Rams linebacker Will Witherspoon during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (34) pushes his way past St. Louis defenders, from left, La'Roi Glover (97), Chris Long (72), Will Witherspoon (51) and James Hall (96) for a 7-yard gain during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger (10) completes a pass under pressure from New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) as Rams' Richie Incognito (68) holds Tuck back during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Nick Leckey #60 of the St. Louis Rams looks over the defense prior to snapping the ball at the line of scrimmage against the New York Giants on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw slips past St. Louis Rams cornerback Tye Hill for a touchdown run during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. The Giants won 41-13. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
Justin Tuck #91 of the New York Giants rushes in during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Plaxico Burris #17 of the New York Giants tries to break free after making a reception during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants throws a pass during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants calls signals as Shaun O'Hara prepares to snap the ball during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
The offense of the New York Giants prepares to snap the ball at the line of scrimmage during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Amani Toomer #81 of the New York Giants catches a touchdown pass during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Domenik Hixon #87 of the New York Giants returns a punt during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Steve Smith #12 of the New York Giants runs with a reception during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Amani Toomer #81 of the New York Giants celebrates after catching a touchdown pass during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Ahmad Bradshaw #44 of the New York Giants scores a touchdown during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Kareem McKenzie #67 of the New York Giants looks to block during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) drops back to throw a pass during an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (34) runs with the ball during an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls out a play during an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon (87) catches a pass for a 32-yard gain as St. Louis Rams cornerback Fakhir Brown, left, defends during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks for a receiver during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon (87) catches a pass for a 32-yard gain as St. Louis Rams cornerback Fakhir Brown, left, defends during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon catches a pass during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. The Giants won 41-13. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward runs with the ball during an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger, left, is sacked for a seven-yard loss by New York Giants defensive tackle Fred Robbins during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon (87) catches a pass for a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. Defending are Rams' Craig Dahl, right, and Quintin Mikell. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) points during the NFL week 2 football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday, September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) runs the ball during the NFL week 2 football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday, September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants cornerback Corey Webster (23) covers St. Louis Rams wide receiver Brandon Gibson (11) on a pass play during the NFL week 2 football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday, September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs the ball in traffic during the NFL week 2 football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday, September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs the ball during the NFL week 2 football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday, September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) is tackled by St. Louis Rams' James Laurenaitis and Justin King, left, during the first quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) carries the ball during an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday September 19, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) runs the ball up the middle during the NFL week 2 football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday, September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the St.Louis Rams in an NFL football game on Monday September 19, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon (87) gets tackled after catching a pass by St. Louis Rams wide receiver Greg Salas (87) during the NFL week 2 football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday, September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a first quarter touchdown pass while covered by St. Louis Rams cornerback Bradley Fletcher (32) during the NFL week 2 football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday, September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants' Eli Manning makes a pass during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Antrel Rolle (26) tackles St. Louis Rams' Mike Sims-Walker (10) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford (8) throws the ball away from New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) during the third quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon is defended by St. Louis Rams' Craig Dahl during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. Hixon caught the pass for a touchdown. The Giants won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs runs for yardage against the St. Louis Rams during an NFL football game on September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 28-16. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks scores a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams during an NFL football game on September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 28-16. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
St. Louis Rams cornerback Bradley Fletcher (32) walks away as New York Giants' Henry Hynoski (45) and Victor Cruz (80) celebrate a Brandon Jacobs touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 28-16. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs away from St. Louis Rams defensive back Justin King (21) for a touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 28-16. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) is tackled by St. Louis Rams' James Hall (96), Bradley Fletcher (32) and another defender, bottom, during the third quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs is tackled by St. Louis Rams linebacker Ben Leber during the second quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
St. Louis Rams cornerback Bradley Fletcher (32) tackles New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) during the first quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks falls into the end zone after catching a pass for a touchdown in front of St. Louis Rams cornerback Bradley Fletcher during the first quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) is tackled by St. Louis Rams free safety Quintin Mikell during the first quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) prepares to throw during the first half of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the St. Louis Rams during a week 16 football game on December 21, 2014 in St. Louis, Missouri (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Andre Williams, left, runs with the ball during the second half of NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants defensive end Kerry Wynn (72) intercepts the ball on a deflection against the St. Louis Rams during a NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014 in St. Louis. The Giants won the game, 37-27. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) dives for a touchdown during a week 16 football game against the St. Louis Rams on December 21, 2014 in St. Louis, Missouri (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning and St. Louis Rams quarterback Shaun Hill talk following an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in St. Louis. The Giants won 37-27. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
St. Louis Rams running back Tre Mason, center, struggles for yardage as New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle, left, and defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, right, defend during the second half of NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
St. Louis Rams quarterback Shaun Hill, left, is sacked for a 4-yard loss by New York Giants defensive end Kerry Wynn during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants free safety Stevie Brown, center, is pushed by St. Louis Rams offensive tackle Joe Barksdale, right, as Giants' defensive end Kerry Wynn, left, intercepts a pass during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning throws a pass against the St. Louis Rams during a NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014 in St. Louis. The Giants won the game, 37-27. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell (84) makes a leaping catch during a week 16 football game against the St. Louis Rams on December 21, 2014 in St. Louis, Missouri (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle, left, dives into the end zone past St. Louis Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson after catching a 7-yard pass for a touchdown during the second half of NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
The New York Giants offense gets set at the line of scrimmage against the St. Louis Rams defense during a NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014 in St. Louis. The Giants won the game, 37-27. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa, right, heads for the end zone past St. Louis Rams strong safety T.J. McDonald for a 12-yard touchdown run during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants running back Andre Williams (44) runs for a 45-yard gain as St. Louis Rams defensive end Chris Long (91) and T.J. McDonald give chase during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants tight end Will Tye (45) is tackled by Los Angeles Rams middle linebacker Alec Ogletree (52) during an NFL football game between New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) evades a tackle by Los Angeles Rams running back Benny Cunningham (23) during an NFL football game between New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) makes a catch during a week 7 NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on October 23, 2016 in London, U.K. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during an NFL football game between New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
The New York Giants offensive line lines up across from the Los Angeles Rams defensive line during an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, in London. New York won 17-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
The New York Giants offensive line lines up across the Los Angeles Rams defensive line during an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, in London. New York won 17-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) runs a route during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016 in London. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes the ball in the first quarter during an NFL football game at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) runs after the catch during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016 in London. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws the ball during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016 in London. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) runs after the catch in front of Los Angeles Rams safety Blake Countess (24) during a week 9 NFL football on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) prepares for the snap during a week 9 NFL football against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
The New York Giants offensive line lines up across the Los Angeles Rams defensive line during a week 9 NFL football on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Los Angeles Rams' Marqui Christian (41) closes in on New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
The Los Angeles Rams offensive line lines up across the New York Giants defensive line during a week 9 NFL football on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Los Angeles Rams' Nickell Robey-Coleman tackles New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Tavarres King (12) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Los Angeles Rams' John Johnson (43) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Los Angeles Rams' Nickell Robey-Coleman tackles New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) catches the ball during a week 9 NFL football against the New York Giants on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
The Los Angeles Rams offensive line lines up across the New York Giants defensive line during a week 9 NFL football on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones throws against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Daniel Jones (8)
The Los Angeles Rams offensive line lines up across the New York Giants defensive line during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. Rams won 17-9. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs past Los Angeles Rams linebacker Jachai Polite during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis )
Sterling Shepard (3)
Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) sack Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a week 6 football game on Sunday October 17th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a week 6 football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday October 17th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51)
New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78) during a week 6 football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday October 17th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
*A few leftover statistics from the Giants' Christmas Day game in Philadelphia:
*Barkley leads the Giants in both rushing and receiving touchdowns with four apiece. San Francisco's Christian McCaffrey and the Jets' Breece Hall are the only other players to lead their teams in both rushing and receiving touchdowns this season. The last Giants player to do it over a full season was Billy Taylor in 1979. Taylor had a team-high seven rushing touchdowns, and Taylor, Earnest Gray and Johnny Perkins tied for the team lead with four receiving touchdowns.
* Jackson became the third Giants defender this season to score a touchdown on an interception return. With his 76-yard score, Jackson joined Jason Pinnock (102 yards) and Isaiah Simmons (54 yards). This is the first season since 2018 in which the Giants have three interception return touchdowns. That year, linebacker Alec Ogletree had two and safety Curtis Riley one.
*The Giants last had three interception return touchdowns of 54 or more yards in 1997. The players were Sam Garnes (95 yards), Tito Wooten (61) and Jessie Armstead (57).
*Mason Crosby's first Giants field goal was a 52-yarder. That is the third-longest first field goal by a Giants kicker, behind Brad Daluiso's 54-yarder in 1993 and Steve Christie's 53-yarder in 2004.
*Crosby joined Graham Gano and Randy Bullock as Giants who have kicked field goals longer than 50 yards in 2023. This is the first season in Giants history in which three different kickers have field goals of 50+ yards.
View photos of the Giants on the practice field ahead of the Week 17 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
TE Darren Waller (12)
CB Adoree' Jackson (22)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
NT Dexter Lawrence II (97)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
WR Sterling Shepard (3)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37), CB Darnay Holmes (30)
WR Parris Campbell (0)
S Xavier McKinney (29)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
TE Darren Waller (12)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
WR Dennis Houston (88)
DL Rakeem Nunez-Roches Sr (93)
TE Darren Waller (12)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
WR Sterling Shepard (3)
LB Benton Whitley (48)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
WR Dennis Houston (88)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
DL Timmy Horne (96)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
NT Dexter Lawrence II (97)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
WR Parris Campbell (0)
OLB Boogie Basham (45)
DL A'Shawn Robinson (91)
DE Ryder Anderson (90)
CB Nick McCloud (44), CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver(36)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
S Xavier McKinney (29)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
NT Jordan Riley (95)
CB Adoree' Jackson (22)
WR Sterling Shepard (3)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
WR Parris Campbell (0)
WR Parris Campbell (0)
TE Darren Waller (12)
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