EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) - In some ways Tom Coughlin has come full circle with the New York Giants.

Coughlin spoke of restoring Giants pride when he took over an underachieving team in 2004. His message Wednesday heading into what might be the final week of a very disappointing season is again about restoring pride.

It's not what anyone expected after the defending champions started the season 6-2. But this team bears no semblance of being either a champion or a contender, especially after losing the past two games to Atlanta and Baltimore by a combined 67-14.

The Giants (8-7) seemingly can't play any worse than they did in losing control of their playoff destiny in the last two weeks.

The Giants need to win Sunday against Philadelphia, have Minnesota and Chicago lose, and have Washington either beat or tie the Dallas Cowboys.