The defending Super Bowl champions the New York Giants are on the verge of missing the playoffs entirely, and have caused coach Tom Coughlin to demand his team to "resurrect a little bit of pride."

"That is what I talked to our team [about] this morning -- pride, honor, dignity, play the game that we are capable of playing," a stern Coughlin said Wednesday. "Finish the season with a game we can all be proud of."

Coughlin added that he can't shake the last two losses for the Giants (8-7) to the Atlanta Falcons and Baltimore Ravens, in which the team has loss by a combined 67-14.

"Will I be proud of the season?" Coughlin asked. "Right now I have a short memory and I've got these two games [on my mind]. I am proud of the individuals. I am not proud of what's been accomplished."

The Giants playoff fate are out of their hands with the two recent road losses, and now they'll have to beat the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday at home and will need losses by the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings just to make the playoffs.

Coughlin expects his players to respond and that his plea will not fall on deaf ears.

"They are a group of outstanding character people that listen to what is said, and I think it does strike them," Coughlin said. "No one wants to finish the season like we have the last couple of games. I am sure that will resonate a little interest on their part."

Related Articles:

Philadelphia Eagles Place Nick Foles On Injured Reserve, Michael Vick To Start Final Game Against New York Giants

AFC Playoff Picture Clear Cut, No. 1 Seed Still Up for Grabs