Experts look for answers to early struggles
With their 31-7 loss to the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs, the New York Giants fell to 0-4 on the season and now prepare for a home game against the Philadelphia Eagles in search of their first win.
On another NFL Monday, here is what they are saying around the league about the Giants and where they go from here:
Bill Pennington, The New York Times
Offense struggles again in Week 4
The Giants offense continued to come up short against the Chiefs...
Postgame Stats and Notes
Notes and statistics from the Giants' 31-7 loss in Kansas City...
Watch Postgame reactions
The Giants meet the media following the matchup with the Chiefs...
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"The Giants' roster is not all that aged, but it seems as if the team's offense, predicated on a reliable rushing game that sets up a downfield passing attack, has grown tired, stale or predictable — or all three — just 20 months after many of the same players used many of the same plays to win a Super Bowl.
"Or maybe that is the problem: the rest of the league has caught on to the Giants' offensive formula.
"Coughlin did not blame the play-calling, and neither did Manning, who completed 18 of 37 passes for 217 yards, although Manning was left uneasy with how Sunday's offensive performance unfolded."
Doug Farrar, SI.com
"Things seem even worse, if possible. Tom Coughlin's team was shredded 31-7 by the now 4-0 Kansas City Chiefs. Many wondered how New York's weak offensive line would deal with the Chiefs' aggressive defense, and the answer was … not very well. Eli Manning was sacked three times, taking his 2013 total to 14, and he was harassed by the Chiefs throughout the game. Outside of the 69-yard touchdown pass to Victor Cruz in the second quarter that provided the team's only score, Manning managed just 148 passing yards on 36 other attempts."
John Clayton, ESPN.com
"It's all but over for the Giants and Steelers. As both proud franchises try to figure out what went wrong in their 0-4 starts, one big thing has become apparent: Both franchises have become too dependent on the successes of their quarterbacks.
"Let's start with the Giants. It's pretty clear they lack the offensive line and running game to meet Tom Coughlin's standards of success. David Wilson did adequately in Sunday's 31-7 loss at Kansas City, gaining 55 yards on 13 carries, but there is no consistency with the runs. Eight times, Eli Manning was asked to convert plays of third-and-9 or worse. That's too much for any quarterback. Clearly, the Giants' organization let the offensive line get too old. The Giants entered Sunday missing starting guard Chris Snee and center David Baas; they had David Diehl active but didn't play him. Last week, the Giants lost by 38 and Manning barely had enough time to release passes. Against the Chiefs, Manning was 18-for-37 for 217 yards. Manning remains one of the game's best fourth-quarter quarterbacks, but that doesn't matter when you're being blown out. The Giants have been outscored 146-61. Embarrassing."
Dan Graziano, ESPN.com
"The Giants' skill-position players on offense are very talented. The line is awful right now, but offensive lines have a way of improving as the season goes along. And next week's opponent is the Philadelphia Eagles, whose defense is far more vulnerable than those against which the Giants have played their first four games. [Hakeem] Nicks and the Giants are justified in thinking things will get better for the offense, if for no other reason than they can't get worse."
Ross Jones, FOXSports.com
"The Giants are 0-4 for the first time since 1987. The Giants offense has been unable to find a rhythm as they've only scored 7 points in the last two games. And this can't be pinned on the defense. The Chiefs entered the game as one of only two teams in the NFL not to turn the ball over, and the Giants forced three turnovers. But Eli Manning returned the favor throughout Sunday, adding to his league-leading turnover total with three of his own (he now has turned the ball over 11 times). But the real issue is the running game and that's where a majority of Sunday's problems stem from as well. The Giants were 1 for 14 on third downs and weren't able to extend drives. David Wilson had 13 carries for just 55 yards as the offense lacked a push up front."
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