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 final score of 34-27. The defeat left star receiver Malik Nabers perplexed, who is in rehabilitation for an injury. Nabers, through a now-deleted tweet, questioned some of the team’s decisions during the game.
Nabers was referring to a series of plays and decisions at the end of regulation. Interim coach Mike Kafka opted for a running play that left the Giants on 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 third-down run. Kafka, known for his aggressiveness, decided to go for the touchdown and the two-score lead with less than three minutes on the clock. The Lions forced an incomplete pass and took possession from their own 6-yard line, needing only a field goal to tie the game. Jake Bates made a 59-yard field goal to tie the score. Detroit finally won the game after Jahmyr Gibbs scored a 69-yard touchdown on the first play of overtime. The Giants, with a 2-10 record, also became the first team eliminated from playoff contention.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? They have to score! Football common sense! Am I missing something?
Malik Nabers
Kafka defended his decisions at the end of the game, stating that he had no regrets. The Giants now have a 2-5 record in games where they have had a double-digit lead.I feel like I’m in a movie sometimes. That’s exactly how I feel. Like sometimes it’s not believable. A lot of movies are fake. So I feel like it can’t be real. But, obviously, we’re living in reality.
Wan’Dale Robinson
Even though Winston threw for 366 yards and three touchdowns, the Giants lost their second game of the season with over 500 total offensive yards. Winston took some responsibility for the game’s losses, including an interception in the final quarter.
Jaxson Dart is still in concussion protocol. If he recovers, the Giants plan to use the rookie again next Monday against the New England Patriots.I just have to focus on finishing for us. We can be better in crucial moments. We have one of the best offensive lines in this football league. And I’m grateful for that. That’s where it starts. I just have to do a better job of finishing for us.
Jameis Winston
