New York Giants defensive coordinator Don "Wink" Martindale Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

Did Giants DC Wink Martindale call fans out before home opener vs. Panthers?

The Giants will play their first home game under first-year head coach Brian Daboll on Sunday against the 0-1 Carolina Panthers. Giants defensive coordinator Don "Wink" Martindale made it clear when speaking with reporters that he's looking for help from the crowd at MetLife Stadium.

"This is one of the biggest changes you’ll see is this week to bring back great defense in this facility," Martindale explained, per Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. "I have only lived here a short period of time, but I know New Yorkers are loud. We need to be loud in that stadium. They have to go on silent count. You want to be part of changing this culture here with the Giants? Be loud. Have that place rocking so people don’t want to come to our stadium. We’ll take care of the rest and we’ll give you something to be loud about."

New York's NFL coaches have made major headlines recently for different reasons.

After a disappointing  24-9 home loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1, New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh told reporters: "This is not the same old Jets." 

Daboll sent a message himself in Week 1 when he went for a two-point conversion in a 21-20 upset of Tennessee.

The Giants haven't given fans a winning record or playoff team to cheer about since the 2016 season. Their fans should be hyped for Sunday's encounter.

"I know this place loves defense. We’ll do our part, you guys do yours and it will be fun," Martindale said, referencing the home fans.

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