Head coach John Harbaugh addressed the idea of complacency ahead of the New York Giants' matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles, saying it's not a concern this week.
Leaders on the roster have already spoken to the group about remaining focused, but Harbaugh does not believe the team is close to any such issue. He pointed to the stakes of the game and the position the Giants find themselves in as reasons the players will be ready.
"We're fighting for our lives, too. We've got everything to gain, and we know how big this game is. We know who we're going against. We'll be ready," Harbaugh told reporters on Wednesday.
The coach also dismissed external talk about the Giants being viewed as division favorites or about any long-running series history at
the rival's stadium. With 10 games remaining, he said those labels carry little weight inside the building.
"It doesn't matter to us because there's still 10 games left to play," Harbaugh said. "Players know that it's what you do. It's not what anybody says about you or where you get ranked or anything like that. It's just about what you do. You've got to go win games."
That same internal focus shaped the Giants' approach to the Eagles' decision to name Joe Milton as their starting quarterback. The staff had heard the news before practice and made only limited adjustments. Preparation centered on available film from Milton's college career, preseason work, and limited regular-season snaps.
"It's not so different than the previous quarterback they had. You just watch the plays," Harbaugh said. "We'll try to anticipate, just like guys had to do with J.J., what exactly are they going to run with him, what would be the plays, but it's still going to be their offense. It's still going to be their structure. It's still going to be the Eagles team."
Harbaugh said the priority remains the Giants' own execution, echoing a message tight end Chris Manhertz delivered to the team. If New York plays the way it is supposed to play, the coach believes the group will be in good shape. The opportunity, he added, is simply the game itself and the next play within it.
The players, Harbaugh said, are locked into that mindset and know what is required.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Locked-in New York Giants reject complacency talk before Eagles game
