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East Rutherford, N.J. — In any other year, a game between the Chargers and Giants would be a time to recall the 2004 draft-day trade when New York acquired No. 1 overall draft pick Eli Manning from San Diego in exchange for No. 4 pick Philip Rivers and a number of a draft picks, including a first-rounder the following year.
It would be a time to note that Manning led the Giants to two Super Bowl titles, and that the Chargers got a highly productive quarterback who has never led them to a title.
That's not the story this year, nor is the Chargers now playing in Los Angeles. It's a matchup of two desperate 0-4 teams meeting at MetLife Stadium today.
The Chargers, who have not made
the playoffs since 2013, have lost nine straight games dating to late November. The Giants, who got to the playoffs last year for the first time since Manning led them to a second Lombardi Trophy in February 2012, have lost five straight, dating to the wildcard loss to the Packers.
Neither has much of a shot at getting to the playoffs this year. Since the NFL merger in 1970, only the 1992 Chargers have overcome losing the first four games to make the playoffs.
Neither team is thinking that far down the road with 12 games left in the regular season.
"I know the odds and the percentages and all that against an 0-4 team making a run and playing in January are super, super slim, but we're not worried about that," Rivers said. "We're just trying to win a game right now and then hopefully we can get on a roll. I mean, we've lost so many in a row in a close fashion, so why not find a way to win a bunch in a row that way? But we've got to win one first. And I think this team just needs to win a game. It's been a long time since we felt winning a game."
The Chargers and Giants may not be as bad as their records indicate. New York has lost its last two games on last-second field goals, and it played the Lions close for three quarters. Los Angeles has losses to the Broncos, Dolphins and Eagles by a combined seven points.
Manning isn't worrying about what has happened this season. The two-time Super Bowl MVP is just trying to work hard, hoping everyone follows his example.
"You can still have fun," said the 36-year-old Manning, now in his 14th season. "Still have fun doing your job and it's still about enjoying the process of getting better, of figuring out how we're going to work. And getting them excited about the plays that are coming up, excited about the opportunities of where they might get the ball or how we're going to score and how we're going to win this game. It's just trying to do your job and make sure everybody sees how you're handling the circumstance." Here are some things to watch: GIANTS' O-LINE: It seems like the unit has been the focal point all season. This week is no different. Center Weston Richburg (concussion) has been ruled out, so Brett Jones may start. D.J. Fluker started at right guard last week and could stay there. John Jerry has struggled all season whether playing right or left guard.
With right tackle Bobby Hart seemingly ready to return from an ankle injury, will Justin Pugh, who has played well replacing him, stay there or moves back to left guard. There is also the option to play Hart at left guard.
RIVERS/MANNING: Despite the losses, both veterans are playing well. Rivers has hit 63.3 percent of his passes for 1,107 yards and seven touchdowns. The negative is four interceptions. Manning and the Giants' offense started slowly this season, but he has five touchdown passes in the last five quarters. He also ran for a rare TD against the Bucs.