The New York Giants have certainly fallen off the top of the NFL powerhouses. Two years removed from winning their second Super Bowl title in recent years, they have followed up last season's 9-7 record and no postseason appearance by going 0-5 to start the 2013 season.
The problem isn't just that they've gone 0-5; it's that they have done it in the ugliest way possible through five games. On offense, they have turned the ball over 20 times and have a -13 turnover differential. The next worst in the NFC is only at -2. They are also dead last in the league with 56.8 rushing yards per game.
It hasn't been any better on the defensive side of the ball. They are 26th in the league in yards allowed per game and are giving up 36.4 points per game, good for last in the league. They have given up 31 points or more in every game this season, and the struggling defense has forced Eli Manning and company to play catch-up almost all season long.
This has led to Eli forcing a lot of throws he wouldn't normally be making if his team wasn't down 20 in the fourth quarter. The turnover numbers are bad, but the blame cannot be entirely put on Eli. He has two Super Bowls for a reason, and it's because he can make big throws when he has time. The offensive line has been horrible, and the lack of a running game has made their offense predictable, which has forced Eli into too many mistakes.
The Giants have a quick turnaround from their latest debacle as they travel to take on the Chicago Bears on Thursday. The Bears are coming off a disappointing loss against the New Orleans Saints, where Jay Cutler threw for 358 yards against a good secondary. Against a poor Giants defense, those numbers could be even better, providing no relief for the Giants anytime soon.
I can't even say for sure that the Giants will end up turning this around at all. Here are five reasons why the Giants' season is already over at 0-5.
Zach Slotter is a contributor for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @zslot6, Like his Facebook page and add him on Google.
Every Giants fan's last gasp is that they think 7-9 can win a weak NFC East Division, and I actually agree that is a possibility. But the problem is I cannot find seven wins on the Giants' schedule. They have to play the Bears, Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions, and that doesn't include the five division games they have remaining. Good luck going 7-4 down the stretch.
The Giants' bread and butter from their Super Bowl days was their vaunted pass rush. This year, they have five sacks in five games. Justin Tuck has 0.5 sacks and Jason Pierre-Paul, who you can tell is not healthy, only has one. This Giants' secondary is not very good, so the fact that they can't put pressure on the quarterback is what is aiding in high yardage and point totals allowed.
As mentioned, the league-high 20 giveaways are led by Manning's 12 interceptions, including three last week. Eli will get better, but if the defense and offensive line don't improve, he will be put in even more situations to turn the ball over.
A team that already had the worst rushing attack is now without Andre Brown and David Wilson. Tonight, they will be going with the dynamic duo of Brandon Jacobs and Da'rell Scott. I can't say the Bears will fear that too much.
The offensive line has been atrocious. Eli has had no time to throw, and they haven't been able to run-block either. Injuries haven't helped, but this group isn't strong to begin with and I don't think it will improve enough to make an impact this season.
