The New York Giants haven't started 0-4 since 1987, a strike-marred season that saw Bill Parcells and Co. fail to make the playoffs after winning Super Bowl XXI.
Big Blue is one loss away from revisiting that ugly mark if it stumbles against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
What's the problem in New York? Everything.
The defense has bled points; the offense eternally has played from behind and failed to protect Eli Manning. The Giants quarterback has been sacked 11 times in 12 quarters, tied for second most in the NFL. Nobody's thrown more interceptions than Eli's eight, compared with just five touchdowns. He's been out of sync with his receivers and has been plagued by a run game best symbolized by the fizzling out of David Wilson.
Coach Tom Coughlin told reporters this week that Manning "is not calm" about the troubles on offense.
"I don't know what the word is. Concerned," Coughlin said, per the team's official website. "Certainly, he's concerned, regardless of what his demeanor is. He wants it to improve, he wants it to be better, he's willing to do whatever it takes to make it better. But, you know, everybody's frustrated because there's no button. I'm not pushing that button and it gets better. You just have to keep going and moving ahead."
New York melted last Sunday in a 38-0 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Reviewing the coaches film, Big Blue's line was battered by Carolina's front seven to the tune of seven sacks.
It doesn't get any easier against the Chiefs. Edge rushers Justin Houston and Tamba Hali have feasted on offensive linemen, and nose tackle Dontari Poe has been dominant up the middle.
Coughlin knows as much. He told reporters he's spent more time than usual in offensive line meetings this week, but in the end, it's no different than what Parcells faced back in '87.
"It's professional football," Coughlin said. "We have guys that are going to put that uniform on and go play. And find a way to win. Compete, compete, compete."
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