Mack, a first-round draft pick by the Browns in 2009, previou

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- In his rookie season as coach, Ben McAdoo has taken the New York Giants into somewhat neglected territory.The Giants (8-3) are in the playoff hunt for the first time since 2012, a year they faltered down the stretch, winning two of their last five games to finish 9-7.Despite riding a six-game winning streak and the second best record in the NFC, New York is going to have to work to make the playoffs for the first time since winning the Super Bowl in February 2012.It has the AFC North co-leading Steelers (6-5) in Pittsburgh on Sunday. NFC East leader Dallas (10-1), whose only loss is to the Giants, is at MetLife Stadium on Dec. 11, followed by NFC North-leading Detroit (7-4) on the 18th.Four days later, the Giants face the rival Eagles on the road, and close out the schedule at Washington on Jan. 1. The Redskins (6-4-1) have the second-best record in the wild-card race, right behind the Giants.For a team that has not put it all together this season, especially on offense, the playoffs are not guaranteed.As a team, where do we go from here? McAdoo asked. Its December football. This is where the real football begins. All our hard work to this point has set the table for December. Its an exciting time against a lot of playoff teams and playoff environments. The margin for error is small. This is where our identity needs to take over.The Giants identity has been that of a team that gets things done. For the most part, it has been star players stepping up and making plays.In the 27-13 decision over the Browns (0-12) on Sunday, defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul led the way with seven tackles, three sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble return for a touchdown. Eli Manning added three touchdown passes, including two to Odell Beckham Jr.The constant in the winning streak has been the play of the defense, which has been led by safety Landon Collins.McAdoo insists the Giants wont be focused on making the playoffs.I think its important to address the elephant in the room, so to speak, McAdoo said. Everything gets cranked up a notch in December with everyone jockeying for position. We just need to make sure we play our best football moving forward.If any group has to step up, its the offense. It has been inconsistent most of the season, especially the running game.While the Giants scored 27 points against the Browns, the defense set up the first touchdown with a turnover at the Cleveland 31 in the second quarter. Pierre-Pauls return got another touchdown.Special teams also need to improve. Cleveland got three points after Bobby Rainey muffed a punt, and a Mark Herzlich holding penalty nullified a punt return for a touchdown by Beckham in the fourth quarter.I think its great that we have players that can change the game in one play, McAdoo said. We need to be mentally dialed-in to play a complete game at all three phases for four-plus quarters. We really need to cash in on that in December.Game notes McAdoo refused to say whether Beckham would continue to return punts down the stretch. ... Herzlich and safety Nat Berhe were hurt in the game and are starting the week in the concussion protocol. Its the second time this season for Berhe. ... Rookie receiver Sterling Shepard not only failed to catch a pass for the first time this season, he also was not targeted. McAdoo called it unfortunate. Were not completing enough balls or moving the chains as much as we need to move the chains for everyone to get involved. ... Its too early to tell whether Gs Justin Pugh (knee), Brett Jones (calf) and Marshall Newhouse (knee) will be able to practice this week, McAdoo said. ... McAdoo did not know if RB Shane Vereen, who has been on injured reserve with a triceps injury since Week 3, would practice this week.---For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and -http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL Air Max 97 Have a Nike Day Tropical Twist . PAUL, Minn. Air Max 97/1 For Sale . Catch all the action on TSN2 at 11pm et/8pm pt. The nine-time Big 12 champion Jayhawks are positioning themselves for another title, as they have run out to a flawless 6-0 mark in conference play thus far. http://www.outletairmax97.com/ .Y. -- Jayna Hefford scored the winning goal Friday as Canada survived a scare with a 4-3 win over Sweden at the Four Nations womens hockey tournament. Air Max 97 Off White For Sale .05 million next season unless Graham and the Saints subsequently agree on a long-term deal. The designation was released Monday after the deadline passed for NFL teams to use franchise or transition tags on players becoming free agents. Air Max 97 Have a Nike Day Blue . -- Matt Ryan needed one of the best games of his career to lead the Falcons and their depleted offence out of their three-game losing streak last week.Alex Mack is set to test the free agency market, after voiding the final three years of his Cleveland Browns contract. The three-time Pro Bowl selection was due to receive an annual salary of $8m, all of which was guaranteed.It might not be the end of Macks time in Cleveland, who are likely to offer one of their prize assets an improved contract. Mack, a first-round draft pick by the Browns in 2009, previously signed a five-year, $42m contract agreement with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2014, with Cleveland managing to keep hold of him after using their transition tag, therefore being able to match the Jags offer. Alex Mack (55) haas been a crucial player for the Cleveland Browns since being drafted in 2009 At the time, it made Mack the highest-paid center in the NFL, and it looks likely he will return to that position in 2016.ddddddddddddFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport stressed that a new contract between Mack and the Browns was a real possibility, and an annual salary of $10m could come into play. That is a figure that no center in the history of the NFL has achieved.By opting out of his contract, Mack essentially assumes full control over his future, having removed any ability for Cleveland to once again tag him. Also See: AFC East: In Focus AFC North: In Focus AFC South: In Focus AFC West: In Focus ' ' '