Turnovers have been a glaring problem for the Giants — on both sides of the ball.
Their ridiculously wanton ways on offense are well-documented, as the Giants entered this weekend leading the NFL in turnovers, with a hard-to-believe 23 committed, an average of nearly four per game. On defense, though, the Giants haven’t exactly held up their end of the bargain. They have only seven takeaways, which entered Sunday tied for 25th in the league, including only four interceptions — none in the previous two games heading into Monday night’s meeting with the Vikings.
“The turnovers, you can talk all you want, but it has to happen,” coach Tom Coughlin said. “Take care of the ball, get the ball away from the other guy, get yourself in some field position, take advantage of it.”
Defensive coordinator Perry Fewell said he is “trying to make the players more ball aware, and that’s all you can do,’’ and he stressed it has to be an all-encompassing defensive mentality.
“You’ve got to put pressure on the receivers,’’ Fewell said. “Your front and coverage have to work in harmony.’’
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Once again, the Giants return for a home game wondering what reaction they will get from their fans. They were 0-4 when they faced the Eagles at MetLife Stadium. Now the Giants are 0-6.
“Playing in this city, you just kind of get it,’’ wide receiver Victor Cruz said. “You understand you’ve got to take the good with the bad and you understand when things are going well they cheer and they love us and everything is great. When things are going bad, they’re going to let you hear it. We get it. We understand what market we play in, what city we play in and the type of fans of this city and we enjoy it.’’
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Is Josh Brown rusty? He’s attempted only six field goals all season, none since missing a 44-yard try in Kansas City. … CB Corey Webster missed the past four games with a strained groin but he’s listed as probable, which should allow Antrel Rolle to play more at his natural safety spot. … Jim Cordle improved each week starting at center the past three games for David Baas, who returns from a neck injury. Cordle certainly took the news in stride.
“I’m not frustrated,’’ Cordle said. “Yeah, I would love to be the starter Monday but as far as continuity, I know David has played a lot more snaps than I have, he’s a better player than I am.’’ … The last time the Giants and Vikings faced each other was Dec. 13, 2010. The Giants won 21-3, in a game that was played on a Monday night in Detroit’s Ford Field after the Metrodome roof collapsed during a snowstorm. … This is the Giants’ only Monday night appearance of the season. They are 22-33-1 on Monday night, including 7-8 at home. … Eli Manning is 7-4 on “Monday Night Football.”