Damon Harrison in the last week wasn't the reason the New York Giants lost to the Washington Redskins.The new-look defense Authentic Nate Solder Jersey , which was also missing injured linebacker Alex Ogletree, actually was the reason the Giants had a chance to win in the 20-13 loss Sunday that sent New York (1-7) to its fifth straight defeat.It limited Alex Smith and the Washington offense to 13 points, and didn't break down until Adrian Peterson scooted around the right side on a 64-yard touchdown run with 3:06 to play to open a 20-6 lead."I think the guys stepped up," Giants linebacker Olivier Vernon said. "I think the guys that had to step up stepped up and made the plays that they needed to make. We just came up short."With Eli Manning and the offense struggling most of the game, the defense almost came up with a game-changing play late in the third quarter. Safety Landon Collins forced Peterson to fumble on a first-down run from the Giants 17.The ball hit the ground and Vernon scooped it up and ran 43 yards to the Redskins 39 with Washington clinging to a 10-3 lead.Following an incompletion, a pass to Odell Beckham Jr., for a 2-yard loss and a 9-yard pass to Bennie Fowler. The Giants had a fourth-and-3 at the Washington 32.Washington played a zone, as Giants coach Pat Shurmur expected, and tight end Evan Engram ran a 4-yard curl pattern. Manning put the pass in his hands and he let the ball slip through his fingers."I thought we had what we were looking for, we've just got to execute it," Shurmur said.On the sideline, Collins' frustration was evident."Every turnover you think is going to be different and I thought it was going to be big, but stuff happens," Collins said. "They got a good defense over there, they're doing a great job over there with their defensive coordinator and their guys that they have over there Color Rush Alec Ogletree Jersey , and they got the stops."Manning, who was sacked seven times, said no one likes losing. He said the players are working hard and competing, but they are just not making enough plays, especially on offense."We just have to keep fighting," said Manning, who threw for 316 yards but was intercepted twice by safety D.J. Swearinger. "The defense gave us a chance today and played outstanding. Offensively, we have to do our part. We are not scoring enough points. We are playing in close games and we are just not finding ways to win them, unfortunately."Beckham was at a loss to explain what's happened to the team this season. After posting a 3-13 record last season, much more was expected in Shurmur's first season."It's definitely not where I want it to be, it's definitely not what I envisioned this team being," Beckham said of the record going into a bye week. "It's definitely not why I worked the hardest I could have worked all offseason to come back and give my very best. I just don't feel like on Sundays I get do that. If there is any frustration, that's where the frustration comes in. All I want to do is come in and do whatever I can to help this team win." The co-owner of the New York Giants is embarrassed by the team's second straight 1-5 start and he wants star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to make his highlights on the field instead of getting recognition from off-the-field comments.Speaking before the fall meeting of the NFL owners Tuesday, John Mara was clearly miffed by the disappointments of a season he had hoped would make fans forget the 3-13 campaign a year ago that led to the firings of coach Ben McAdoo and general manager Jerry Reese.New general manager Dave Gettleman and coach Pat Shurmur turned over more than half the roster, spent almost $80 million rebuilding the offense line Youth Eli Manning Jersey , made Beckham the highest-paid receiver in the league with a $95 million deal and had high hopes heading into the season.It hasn't worked out and the biggest disappointment came Thursday when the struggling Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles came to MetLife Stadium and embarrassed the Giants.What made the loss even more disappointing was the Giants felt they were close to turning things around."I'm sick about it, particularly the way we've disappointed our fans," Mara said. "To start out like this is very disappointing. I don't think you ever expect to go 1-5 ... two years in a row. I'm still embarrassed being 1-5. I can't stand up here and make any excuses about that. We suffer as much as our fans, maybe more."Beckham had been on his best behavior this season, but the losing seemed to catch up to him in recent weeks. He did an interview on ESPN more than a week ago where he complained that Eli Manning was not throwing the ball down the field. He also questioned the heart of his teammates.That did not sit well with Mara, who had spoken to Beckham about getting his act together in the offseason."I think he needs to do a little more playing and a little less talking," Mara said. "I wish he would create the headlines by his play on the field, as opposed to what he says and does off the field."Beckham leads the Giants with 45 catches for 506 yards, but he only has one touchdown catch.While the 37-year-old Manning has gotten most of the blame for the woes of the offense, Mara said a lot of players have to share the blame. He added that it would be up to Shurmur to decide if a change was to be made.Mara believes Gettleman and Shurmur will turn things around, and he defended their choice of running back Saquon Barkley with the second pick overall in the draft."We went with the best player in the draft," Mara said. "I still believe he's the best player in the draft. I'm thrilled with what he's accomplished so far, and I think the sky's the limit for him."Barkley has rushed for 438 yards and four touchdowns and caught 40 passes for 373 yards and two TDs.The choice has been criticized by some because the Jets took quarterback Sam Darnold with the third pick and they are 3-3.