Who would have thought the Giants would be 0-4, their worst start in 26 years?

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The New York Giants have gone into survival mode after their worst start since the 1987 strike season.

The Super Bowl champions from two seasons ago are grasping at anything that offers them hope and a way of keeping this frustrating season alive after an 0-4 start.

Coach Tom Coughlin allowed safety and defensive co-captain Antrel Rolle to speak to the team Monday, 24 hours after a 31-7 loss to the Chiefs (4-0) in Kansas City. Rolle told them there is a bond here and he believed good things will happen in this mistake-marred season.

Coughlin does, too. His message Monday centered on the NFC East. Despite their start, the Giants only trail first-place Dallas by two games in the NFC East with 12 to go.

The odds are against them though.

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org