Golden Tate Claims Giants Will Not Be Intimidated by Patriots Thursday Night

The Giants may have surprised NFL fans, going 2-1 since Daniel Jones leapfrogged Eli Manning as the team's starting quarterback, but most don't expect Thursday's matchup with the Patriots to be all that competitive, especially down...most offensive starters.

Don't count Golden Tate among the nonbelievers, though.

The Giants WR doesn't believe his team will be intimidated by New England's haunting defense, and even provided his opinion on what New York should focus on to come out with the upset. Upset?!

"We’re going to have to play good, solid, fundamental football. We need to be efficient on third down, efficient in the red zone, and we need to come away with seven points when we’re down there," Tate told The Boston Globe. "We have to control the clock the best we can to keep [Tom] Brady and company off the field."

Easier said than done for sure, especially because New York's offense will be far from complete. Though Saquon Barkley has made tremendous strides in returning from his high ankle sprain, he isn't expected to take the field Thursday.

No. 1 wideout Sterling Shepard is in concussion protocol, and star TE Evan Engram is battling a knee issue, making Tate's leadership even more important in this matchup.

The rookie Jones will have his hands full with the Patriots' defense (as well as the weather) but at least he has veterans like Tate to help him work through the big moment.