DETROIT — At this time of year, with a team like this, the conversation always heads in this direction: Can winning the last game or two help as a springboard into next season?
So many of these Giants are not guaranteed to return, but one who is insists what happens on Sunday against the Lions and next week against the Redskins is about making memories, not setting any groundwork for 2014.
“I think not so much the building for next year, but just feeling good about having some positive memories about this season is always helpful,’’ Eli Manning said. “Let’s worry about this game. Let’s get back and start playing a little bit better football this game and be able to compete and do some positive things offensively.’’
The bar has been lowered, as “let’s do some positive things offensively’’ is now the standard for a team coming off a 23-0 loss to the Chargers — which paired with the Giants’ 38-0 blanking at Carolina in Week 3, make the only two shutouts of the entire NFL season.
No matter what happens inside Ford Field or in the season finale at what is sure to be a less-than-capacity MetLife Stadium, the story of 2013 is not going to contain any pleasant memories.
“Well, you’re always going to have the issues that took place this year,’’ coach Tom Coughlin said of squeezing out another win or two, “but it certainly helps going into the offseason, I’ll tell you that one.’’
The Lions (7-7) have blown their lead in the NFC North and now need help to get into the playoffs, but Coughlin views his responsibility not in giving the Lions a good game but in seeing if the Giants (5-9) can summon up a worthwhile performance.
“That’s what we’re in this business for, to do the very best we can and not listen to what people tell you about why you’re playing and the questions that you get asked in this situation,’’ Coughlin said. “It’s our responsibility to play as well as we can, the competitiveness of it, the pride that goes with it, what kind of statement do you make as a man in terms of you living up to your responsibilities and the example you set for others. There’s an awful lot to play for.’’
A look inside the game:
Best battle
Lions RT LaAdrian Waddle vs. Giants DE Justin Tuck
Undrafted out of Texas Tech, Waddle has supplanted veteran Corey Hilliard in the starting lineup and has held up surprisingly well on the Lions’ all-rookie right side of the line. Tuck suddenly has a team-high nine sacks as he continues his late push to make a lasting impression heading into free agency.
Battery operated
There’s a theory floating out there that part or much of Eli Manning’s problem this season is some unrevealed injury that has affecting his throwing. If so, it’s been a well-kept secret. Manning hasn’t missed a practice, has not appeared on the injury report and has not been seen in the locker room with his arm or shoulder wrapped in ice. Coach Tom Coughlin admitted he spoke with Manning this week, making sure the desire still was strong to finish out these two games. And so, Manning makes his 150th consecutive start.
“Toughness, mental toughness, desire, competitiveness,’’ Coughlin said of the attributes that have kept Manning on the field. “He’s a tough guy. He’s played through an awful lot of things. If you remember earlier in his career, one time it was his shoulder. I didn’t know if he could even throw and, boom, by the end of the week he’s… He’s done a great job with that.’’
Behold Megatron
You know a player has reached a heightened level when he makes a mistake and it’s replayed over and over again as if it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event. That’s the status Calvin Johnson has reached. He’s coming off a rough outing vs. the Ravens, after being called “pretty old’’ by Ravens rookie safety Matt Elam, and he had a rare drop in the game. You just know Johnson — who did not practice much this week because of a knee issue — will be looking to redeem himself in a big way, and at 6-foot-5 and 236 pounds he does everything in a big way. The only Giants cornerback who has a shot to at least slow Johnson down is Prince Amukamara, who is a sturdy 6-foot and 207 pounds. The Giants do not match their top corner on one receiver, though, meaning at times Trumaine McBride (if he plays despite a strained groin), Jayron Hosley or Terrell Thomas will get a look at Megatron up close.
“My approach is the same,’’ Amukamara said. “I treat everyone like they’re the best, and I happen to be going up against one of the best this week.’’
Grand larceny
Everyone is well-informed how brutal the Giants have been securing the football — their 39 turnovers are eight more than any other team in the league. They are better, but not great, on defense at taking the ball away — their 22 takeaways (13 interceptions, nine fumble recoveries) is 16th in the league. Next up are the Lions, second behind the Giants with 31 turnovers (17 interceptions from Matthew Stafford, 14 lost fumbles), making this the Bakery Bowl.
No Cruz missile
There are just two games remaining and no playoffs on the line, so the season-ending loss of WR Victor Cruz following knee surgery did not resonate as a crushing blow. The Giants do have to get through these two games, though, and showing any semblance of offensive efficiency without their best player is going to be either a challenge or impossible.
There’s no choice but to look more often in Hakeem Nicks’ direction as he continues his search for his first 2013 touchdown in what likely are his last games with the Giants. Second-year Rueben Randle moves into the starting lineup, and Jerrel Jernigan becomes the new slot receiver, coming off a career-high seven catches for 67 yards. Jernigan absorbed a huge hit by massive safety Kam Chancellor and stayed in the game.
“I was inspired by that,’’ Coughlin said.
Jernigan likely is closing out his disappointing (14 receptions in three years) Giants career.
Numbers to know
2: Sacks Ndamukong Suh needs to reach 29 ¹/₂ career sacks and pass former Giants lineman Shaun Rogers as the all-time Lions sacks leader among defensive tackles.
60:Â Rushing yards Reggie Bush needs to become the first Lions players since 2004 to reach 1,000.
102.3: Eli Manning’s career quarterback rating in two games vs. the Lions. He has completed 69.6 percent of his passes for three TDs, no INTs in two victories.
Paul’s pick
The Lions are in a free-fall, losing four of their past five games to fumble away control of their playoff destiny. The Giants are, well, what? Eager to end this dismal season? Ready to put up a fight? Severely undermanned? They were shut out last week in San Diego. Here’s a guarantee: They won’t get shut out again.
LIONS 31, GIANTS 13