Giants fall to Lions in overtime collapse
One thing about the New York Giants — they will always find fresh, new, and innovative ways to lose games. This week was no different. They lost for a myriad of reasons, but the final nail in their coffin was a 69-yard touchdown run by Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs in overtime.
Granted, a few things had to go wrong before it even got to overtime, like the defense being incapable of closing out a game, not kicking a field goal, and the one thing Jameis Winston is always good for: an ill-timed interception.
Even though the Giants have now fallen to 2-10 and are officially eliminated from playoff contention (as if that was ever really going to happen), Interim Head Coach Mike Kafka, for the most part, called a solid game offensively. You can disagree with his decision to go for the touchdown instead of kicking the field goal (I do), but you could also argue that it was a clear reflection of how little faith Kafka has in his defense.
For the majority of the game, the offense actually played well. Winston found wide receivers Hodgins and Robinson throughout the day for positive plays, and the run game was productive. Unfortunately, none of that mattered because New York’s run defense did everything in its power to make sure Detroit would walk away with the win.
That said, credit is due to the much-improved offensive line and their coach, Carmen Bricillo. After over a decade of below subpar offensive line play, there is finally some light at the end of the tunnel. It’s far from perfect, but it is a massive upgrade from the level of play Giants fans have grown painfully accustomed to.
Same Disappointment, Different Sunday
You don’t know exactly when it’s coming, but you just know it will. The anticipation of the disappointment that inevitably comes with watching a Giants game. You know the other shoe is going to drop but you just don’t know when it’s going to happen.
Although lately, it’s become somewhat predictable. Anytime within the final five minutes, you can expect the Giants to blow it.
But the most maddening part? The Giants generally play well in these losses. They just can’t seem to play smart, complete football for a full 60 minutes which is a shame, because there is talent on this team. You just wouldn’t know it by the way it continues to unfold on the field.
Next up for the 2-10 Giants?
The 10-2 Patriots on Monday Night Football.
