What they’re saying in NY

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“I think the message is clear,” said quarterback Eli Manning. “I think we know what we’ve got to do and what’s at stake, how important this game is. We’ve got to turn this thing around.”

“There is a sense of urgency,” added defensive end Justin Tuck. “We feel like we’re pretty close to the bottom right now.”

“They better hope so because they’re already riding their first three-game losing streak since 2006, and if it reaches four, things could get ugly during their much-needed bye next week. The heat is already on players like Manning, who has thrown five interceptions in the last two games, and coaches like defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan, whose unit has given up 112 points during this losing streak – the worst three-game stretch for a Giants defense in 36 years.” – BY Ralph Vacchiano

“I think guys have really realized that we’ve lost the last three games and it just can’t be that way around here,” said running back Brandon Jacobs. “This is New York. You can’t. Not three in a row. Don’t lose at all. And I think this is a team that realizes the situation that we’re in.”

“The Chargers also have one of the more dangerous big-play passing attacks in the league, led by quarterback Philip Rivers, who spent 45 minutes with the Giants on Draft Day 2004 before he was famously traded for Manning. In just seven games, Rivers has already thrown for 2,036 yards and 11 touchdowns with just four interceptions. And armed with a trio of receivers all 6-4 or taller (Vincent Jackson, Malcolm Floyd and tight end Antonio Gates), Rivers has completed 18 passing plays of 25 yards or more – a number Sheridan said was “astronomical”.” – BY Ralph Vacchiano

VITALS

THE LINE: Giants by 4

TV: Ch. 2 (Jim Nantz, Phil Simms)

RADIO: WFAN-660 AM (Bob Papa, Carl Banks), Nationwide on Sports USA Radio (Larry Kahn, Troy West)

FORECAST: Pleasant with temperatures in the low 60s with 4 mph winds.

INJURY IMPACT

The Giants are hopeful of getting back LB Michael Boley (knee) and DT Chris Canty (calf). The Chargers were not optimistic about getting C Nick Hardwick (ankle) back for the game. NT Ogemdi Nwagbuo (ankle) will be a gametime decision. ILB Kevin Burnett has missed two straight games and is also unlikely to return. With Tim Dobbins (knee) also out, Brandon Siler would get his first start.

FEATURE MATCHUPS

WRs Steve Smith and Domenik Hixon vs. CBs Quentin Jammer and Antonio Cromartie: We seem to have returned to the problem the Giants were supposed to have coming into this season: no Plaxico Burress. Smith may be among the leaders in receptions, but the impact play down the field has gone missing. The Chargers’ corners have shutting teams down and the Giants need to attack the middle of the field, perhaps with Kevin Boss. Establishing play-action passes should help.

QB Philip Rivers vs. Giants safetys: It’s no secret CC Brown has been targeted by opponents’ game plans, resulting in him being replaced by Aaron Rouse. The confident Rivers isn’t shy about going deep (18 completions of 25-plus yards). And he is certainly capable of carving up this group with his own Jackson, namely Vincent Jackson. The Giants are going to have to get on him early with jams at the line of scrimmage.

SCOUT SAYS

“The Chargers, like the Giants, have had red zone problems but look for their version of the wildcat, which they broke out last week, when they get down there. LaDainian Tomlinson gets the snap and he can throw. The Chargers are blitzing more with a lot of pre-snap movement and it’s opened things up for Shawne Merriman (first two sacks last week) and Shuan Phillips (four sacks last two games) off the edge. Eli (Manning)’s mechanics have not been good, even worse with people in his face. The Giants have to have more patience with their running game, especially with the Chargers’ numbers against the run (sixth worst in NFL).”

INTANGIBLES

Tom Coughlin is calling it a one-game season. The Giants couldn’t be more desperate after three straight losses, including last week’s meltdown in Philly. Their trademark swagger is gone and they are making mental mistakes everywhere, so people are wondering how good they really are. The Chargers need to show they can step up against a more formidable opponent on the road with the Eagles and Broncos on deck.

PREDICTION

BOLTS 29-24: Rivers picks up where Brees, Warner and McNabb left off.
– Hank Gola

BRING IT! – San Diego Sportswire

San Diego Sportswire