The New York Giants tied an NFL record by suffering their fifth loss of the season after leading by double digits, this time in overtime against the Detroit Lions with a score of 34-27. The defeat left star receiver Malik Nabers perplexed, who is in rehabilitation for an injury. Nabers, through a tweet that he later deleted, questioned some of the team’s decisions during the game.
Nabers referred to a series of decisions at the end of regulation, when the Giants were winning 27-24. Interim coach Mike Kafka called for a running play that brought the Giants to the Lions’ 2-yard line with just over three minutes remaining. Then, quarterback Jameis Winston threw an incomplete pass and the Giants lost yards on a run on third down. Kafka, known for his aggressiveness, decided to go for the touchdown and extend the lead to two scores. The Lions forced an incomplete pass and recovered the ball from their own 6-yard line, needing only a field goal to tie the game. Jake Bates scored a 59-yard field goal to tie the score. Detroit (7-4) took the victory after Jahmyr Gibbs scored a 69-yard touchdown on the first play of overtime. The Giants (2-10) couldn’t respond and the game ended with a sack by Aidan Hutchinson on fourth down. This was the Giants’ twelfth consecutive road loss, extending a franchise record. The five times they have squandered double-digit leads this season have been away from home. The Giants also became the first team eliminated from playoff contention. Wan’Dale Robinson, Giants receiver, who had a personal record of 156 receiving yards, expressed his disbelief at the situation. Kafka defended his decisions at the end of the match.Sometimes I think they make us lose on purpose. How can you throw the ball instead of running it to burn two timeouts? And then not kick the field goal? Then they have to score! Football common sense! Am I missing something?
Malik Nabers
Despite the loss, Winston had a good performance, throwing for 366 yards and three touchdowns. Winston took some responsibility for the decisions at the end of the game. Starting quarterback Jaxson Dart is still in concussion protocol. If he recovers, the Giants plan to return the rookie to the starting lineup next Monday against the New England Patriots, despite Winston’s good performance. Kafka stated that he prefers Jaxson Dart if he is fit to play.Our decision was the right one. I stand by it.
Mike Kafka
