Series History:
The New York Giants return home to host the Chicago Bears on Sunday. Kickoff is 1:00 p.m. in MetLife Stadium. Sunday’s game marks the 51st regular-season meeting between the two teams. The Giants trail in the series that began in 1925, 20-28-2.
The teams last met on Nov. 20, 2016 in MetLife Stadium, when the Giants won, 22-16. A win on Sunday would improve the Giants’ home record against the Bears to 10-15-2.
Series Meetings: 50
Overall Record: 20-28-2
Home: 9-15-2
Away: 11-13
First Game: Bears 19 at Giants 7 (12/6/1925)
Last Game: Giants 22 vs. Bears 16 (11/20/2016)
Game Preview:
The Giants are back home to play the Chicago Bears team that has one of the best defenses in all of the NFL. Big Blue coming off a terrible defeat against their division rival Philadelphia as they fell to the birds 25-22.
After leading the game 19-3 in the second quarter, New York abandoned what help there success which was feeding the ball to their star rookie running back Saquon Barkley. Barkley had 16 looks in the first half combined pass and rush and only four in the second.
With the Eagles in the rear view mirror Barkley knows that the Bears defense led by Khalil Mack is very dangerous. Barkley knows he will be a challenge to contain by the offensive line. “I know that they’re a great a defense and that they have great players over there, but you treat it the same (every) week. You watch what they like to do and what they do more. For me as a running back, I watch how they tackle, if they’re aggressive. Same thing I do every single week so I’m not really changing anything, but obviously you are aware of how good they are. That’s everyone in the NFL is good. Every time you go out there, it’s a challenge so it’s a challenge that we’re willing to face.”
Speaking of Mack, Chicago Head Coach Matt Nagy was asked if there was any buyers remorse when it came to their defensive superstar. “Yeah, you’re right. He’s everything and more than we thought. As I tell everybody, you know from going against him, I know from going against him in Kansas City what type of player he was when you have to compete against him. When you bring him into practice and you see who the person is within the four walls of the building, and you see how he is as a human being and his character and how he’s a leader, it just makes it even better.”
“He’s obviously a very good player, he’s got a good first step, he can bull rush you and go, then work your edge or just work your edge. Said Head Coach Pat Shurmer .”I think what he does a good job of is just keeping his feet moving and then as the play develops, being in a position to either sack the quarterback or find the running backs. He’s a really good player.”
Chad Wheeler gets Mack first and had nothing but praise for the All Pro counter part. “He’s a great edge rusher, he has a good combination of speed and power. He brings a lot to the table, so we’ve got to do the same. ” Wheeler continued. ” He’s just relentless. A great player, he has an internal drive that sometimes I match, so you’ve got to bring it.”
Shurmer noted that Wheeler has had tough opponents all season long and has fought hard against them all. ” He’s been challenged each week. I think he’s developed throughout the season, he’s gotten better each week. He’s with that group of guys that have played their best three games in the last three weeks against some really good opponents. Let’s not forget that the (defensive line) we just faced was another tough task, another tough challenge to block, and I thought he hung in there well, I thought he played pretty well for the most part last week. You just keep developing, you try to study the matchup that you’re going to face. He will face both defensive ends, 52 (Khalil Mack) lines up on both sides depending on what they’re trying to accomplish, but (Leonard) Floyd is also an outstanding rusher. That’s the challenge anytime you play a front like the Bears will put in front of us, is being able to block your guy. To answer your question, I think he’s developed well throughout the year and he’s really benefitted from all the reps and all the playing time he’s got.”
Giants QB Eli Manning knows what kind of trouble Mack can cause QB’s in this league as he explained the Media. “Mack, he stands out. He does a good job getting sacks, causing fumbles, interceptions – he does it all. They’re sound all over. They play good football, not giving up many big plays. Teams aren’t scoring a ton on them. They’re creating turnovers. They’re playing good football, so we got to do the same. We have to be very sound; we have to be discipline, and try to eliminate them from making big plays.”
Coming Later Tonight: The Giants try to learn from Sunday
