The New York Giants pulled off an unexpected late-season comeback, sealing a 24-22 triumph against the Green Bay Packers at MetLife Stadium with Randy Bullock delivering the decisive game-winning field goal.
Tommy DeVito, an undrafted rookie quarterback, orchestrated a crucial 57-yard drive for the winning score after the Packers edged ahead 22-21 with a 6-yard touchdown pass from Jordan Love to Malik Heath, just 1:33 before the end. With their third consecutive victory, the Giants now trail the Packers and four other teams by a single game for the NFC’s final wild-card spot, holding a 5-8 record.
0:02
— ✭Izzy✭ 𝕏𝕏𝕏 (10-3)🎄🧑🏾🎄 (@eadyIofficial) December 12, 2023
4th & 6
37-Yard Attempt is up and good!!!
The Giants WIN their third straight game!!!#GBvsNYG pic.twitter.com/mTenfwRf7A
The New York Giants have solidified their position in the NFC playoff race with a recent victory over the Packers at MetLife Stadium, marking their third consecutive win. Bullock’s game-winning field goal secured their triumph, placing them just one game behind five teams, including the Packers.
With DeVito now leading as the quarterback, his impactful contributions, coupled with the defense’s impressive turnover rate of three forced turnovers in Monday night’s game, have been pivotal. The upcoming match against the Saints holds significance for both teams in the race for the final playoff spot in the NFC.
Breaking down the quarterback performance: DeVito, while not flawless, made crucial plays, especially in the second half, securing his third win in four starts. With 17-of-21 passing for 158 yards, a touchdown, and no interceptions, DeVito continues to showcase his abilities. His capacity to safeguard the ball, make significant contributions, and rely on the Giants’ defense remains noteworthy.
Concerning trend: The Giants encountered difficulties in special teams play, an ongoing issue this season. Costly mistakes, such as a punt return mishap leading to three points for the Packers, underscore the need for improvement in this area.
Impressive Next Gen stat: Wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson reached a speed of 20.25 mph during a handoff from Saquon Barkley, resulting in a 32-yard gain in the second quarter. This marked Robinson’s fastest speed this season after recovering from his rookie ACL injury. The play set up a 5-yard touchdown run by Barkley, contributing to a 7-7 score early in the second quarter.
Upcoming game: The Giants are set to face the Saints at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday
The Green Bay Packers‘ recent performances in the last two games showcased their capability to overcome formidable opponents, including top-tier teams like the Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs. However, Monday night’s game highlighted their susceptibility to unexpected losses, falling to a Giants team with four wins against notable opponents.
This defeat positioned the Packers in a six-team cluster at 6-7, diminishing their playoff chances to 47%, according to ESPN Analytics. The result emphasized the unpredictability that can unfold in the final month, particularly for a team with numerous young players unaccustomed to the playoff push.
Summing up the game in two words: Unraveling conclusion. Despite appearing victorious on multiple occasions, the Giants ultimately secured the win with a field goal as time expired. A significant concerning trend includes Keisean Nixon’s third-quarter fumble, marking the Packers’ seventh lost fumble on a punt return since Matt LaFleur became the coach in 2019. Furthermore, the Packers continue to lack a 100-yard rusher or receiver in a game this season, a rare occurrence since 1934.
On a positive note, rookie Jayden Reed continues to demonstrate his ability to find the end zone, securing his seventh touchdown of the season and highlighting a promising trend. Reed, with two rushing touchdowns, joins Deebo Samuel as the only receivers in the league with multiple rushing touchdowns this season.
Looking forward, the Packers are set to face the Buccaneers at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.
ALSO READ:
- Dolphins aim to extend streak against Titans on Monday Night
- Cadet win caps 124th Army-Navy Game at Gillette Stadium
- Can EPCR make clubs prioritize Champions Cup?
