(Photo Courtesy of Gregory Shamus/ Getty Images)
The Giants came into Sunday ready to take on the Lions after getting shutout by the Seahawks last week. With Detroit’s season on the line the Giants would be playing spoilers looking to put an end to the Lions playoff hopes.
Big Blue came out strong in the first half, as they drove down the field on their opening drive completing three of four on third down, but would have to settle for a field goal to took the early lead. After a touchdown from Jerrel Jernigan, Justin Tuck continued his strong second half of the year by intercepting Matt Stafford to get the ball back for Big Blue, with under a minute left to set up a field goal for Josh Brown. Before New York knew it they went into the half leading 13-3.
That feeling didn’t last long in the second half when the Lions would score 17 unanswered to go up 20-13. A touchdown by Joique Bell, a sack for a safety by Nick Fairley, a touchdown run by Theo Riddick, and a successful two point conversion try gave the Lions all the momentum as they took the lead. Bell’s touchdown was part of a day where he would have 20 carries for 91 yards and a touchdown.
With just under five minutes left, New York safety Will Hill would return an interception for a touchdown to tie the game. The Giants did appear to have the game in control before Eli Manning threw another interception with 23 seconds left to add to his career high this season. The Lions were content on running out the clock and heading to overtime, despite having two timeouts with 23 seconds to go.
In overtime the Giants were driving down the field before Andre Brown fumbled on Detroit’s 28 yard line to turnover the ball to the Lions. The Giants would get the ball back and drive into Lions territory. On a pivotal 4th and 7 play from the Lions 42, the Giants elected to go for it. Eli Manning met his favorite target of the day Jerrel Jernigan for a completion to set up the field goal for Josh Brown as the Giants went on to win 23-20 in overtime.
The loss for the Lions was one of five in the last six games, with their coaches future with the team very much unknown. Matt Stafford was 25 of 42 for 222 yards and two interceptions while Eli Manning was 23 of 42 for 256 yards, a touchdown and an interception.
Jerrel Jernigan ended the game with six receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown. With a strong performance like this, more questions continue to surround the future of Hakeem Nicks. With just one game left on the season, Nicks stillvdoes not have a touchdown reception in more than a calendar year. Nicks is a free agent in the offseason and with Victor Cruz locked up long term, along with the emergence of Randle and Jernigan, many believe the Giants are prepared to let Nicks walk. There are questions though of how much money Nicks can get after two injury prone disappointing seasons. Nicks is just one of many questions surrounding the Giants offseason plans.
Next week the Giants will host the Washington Redskins at home to wrap up the season, while Detroit will head to Minnesota to play the Vikings. Both teams are out of playoff contention. They will be looking to get a win to end the season on a high note.
Tyler Henry: PureSportsNY