What They Should Be Thinking Today: New York Giants

In an attempt to get inside the heads of NFC East teams, we occasionally take a step back and look at what each squad should be thinking at any given point. In light of Wednesday night's tough loss to the Cowboys, here are the thoughts that should be going through the New York Giants' heads.

David Wilson needs another shot

The first-round pick out of Virginia Tech didn't touch the ball after fumbling on his second career carry against the Cowboys. But we can't afford to leave the rookie in the doghouse for weeks or even months. This season can't go down the drain because of one mistake.

We drafted Wilson knowing that he had issues with fumbling, so we have to accept that these things will happen. Ahmad Bradshaw continues to struggle with consistency, and at the very least Wilson gives us a different look. 

Besides, it's only a matter of time before Bradshaw gets hurt. And when that happens, we want to know if we can rely on Wilson. 

The Buccaneers and Panthers are next on the schedule. New York can't afford to overlook anyone, but those are two low-risk teams to give Wilson carries against. We have to at least try.

The three-headed monster has to be better than that

The defense needs more from Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora, who all failed to get to Tony Romo. The line wasn't given a lot of time to make things happen because Romo was having a field day with our secondary, but these guys are supposed to be good enough to overcome those weaknesses behind them.

At least Pierre-Paul had six hurries, according to Pro Football Focus. Umenyiora only had two, while Tuck brought no significant pressure and failed to make a tackle in the backfield on a big DeMarco Murray run. 

If not for good performances from Linval Joseph and Rocky Bernard in the middle, it could have been a lot worse Wednesday night.

We were 0-1 a year ago, and we all know how that season ended

Last year's season opener was even worse. We were manhandled by Rex Grossman and the Washington Redskins in a 28-14 loss. That's right, Rex Grossman. Manning was worse. Bradshaw was worse. The pass protection was worse. Victor Cruz wasn't a factor. The pass coverage was weak.

The point is that it's a much longer season than most realize. In 2007, the we gave up 45 points to Dallas in a season-opening loss, and we won the Lombardi Trophy that year, too. 

There's absolutely no reason to panic.