New York Giants 2014 Kick-Off Countdown: 35 Days

Dec 22, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Giants quarterback

(10) throws a pass while being pressured by Detroit Lions defensive end

(94) during the third quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Giants vs Lions Kick-off Countdown

Well, the New York Football Giants are 1-0 in the preseason. Last night, in the Hall of Fame game, the Giants beat the Buffalo Bills 17-13 in a welcome back football moment in Canton, Ohio. Today at GMEN HQ, this signifies the start of a new countdown as the regular NFL season creeps slowly upon us.

After four more preseason games, in 35 days, the Giants will travel to Detroit to Kick-off real meaningful pigskin and start the 32 team quest for the games ultimate prize: The Lombardi Trophy. Here’s a preview of the first game from, Primetime matchups on Giants schedule on Giants.com

"Week 1: Sept. 8 (Mon) @ Detroit 7:10 PMThe Giants will open their 2014 season in primetime at the site of their most exciting win from last season. Traveling to Ford Field last December for a Week 16 matchup, Big Bluecame away with a thrilling 23-20 overtime victory over the Lions thanks to a 43-yard field goal by Josh Brown midway through the extra period. In that game, the Giants also eliminated the Lions from postseason contention as Detroit finished with a 7-9 record, the same as the Giants."

That’s right Giants Nation, it all starts with a Monday Night Football game in Detroit in 35 Days. For the 2014 season, the Giants are competing in five prime time match-ups — two Sunday night games, two Monday night games and one Thursday night game. Let’s just conclude that the Giants will have plenty of opportunities to shine as the whole world watches on. While also being aware that if the G-Men don’t improve their turnover issues, five prime time games could turn from a thrilling proposition into an embarrassment of riches for a proud organization.

Credit: Giants.com

For the Giants, it must start with the execution of these next four weeks. Wherein the team must remain as healthy as possible, all the while the new offense is installed, so that all the major contributors are on the same page when it comes time to WIN on Sunday’s. In these 35 days, the Giants must determine their best five offensive linemen and convince them that they are good enough to keep Eli clean. In the process, moving on from the great career of Chris Snee to the next chapter in Giants RG history.

Now that the Giants are 1-0 in the preseason, it makes it seem like the INT’s and fumbles from last season are further away from haunting the group. That the new beginning really can turn into whatever the New York Giants envision it in their dreams of Super Bowl glory. Of course, watching the Giants fumble around at times against the Bills makes it just as probable that those hopes of success could possibly wither and die in a sea of missed opportunities and poor execution, even with the best laid plans on paper.

The Detroit Lions are a  team with one of the best weapons in the NFL in Calvin Johnson. “Megatron” is a beast that shouldn’t be taken lightly and the Giants defense can only hope to slow him down. But the two paramount initiatives in this game — the Giants must get after Matthew Stafford early and often, as well as limit mistakes from the new offense in a hostile, domed environment.

Detroit can score in a hurry and the Giants will more than likely lose if they have to play catch-up. So the goal should be no three and outs. First downs are the Giants best friend this preseason, the more ability they show to move the chains over the next month, the more likely it’ll be that Eli Manning and company can keep Megatron on the sideline and out of the end zone.

Big Blue eliminated Detroit from playoff contention last season, so you can bet your bottom dollar that the Lions will be out for blood come Monday night September the 8th.