The New York Giants pulled off a stunning upset over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, winning 27-24 in a thrilling game that came down to the wire. The Giants were led by their rookie cornerback Deonte Banks, who had a team-high 12 tackles and a crucial pass break-up in the end zone that forced the Packers to settle for a field goal in the fourth quarter.
Giants defense steps up against Rodgers and Co.
The Giants defense had a tough task of facing Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense, which had been averaging 31.6 points per game. The Giants were able to limit Rodgers to 264 passing yards and two touchdowns, while also sacking him four times and intercepting him once. The Giants also held the Packers to 4.1 yards per carry and 101 rushing yards.
The Giants defense was especially impressive in the red zone, where they held the Packers to three field goals and one touchdown in five trips. The most important stop came in the fourth quarter, when the Packers had a first-and-goal at the Giants’ 4-yard line, trailing 24-21. Rodgers threw a fade to Davante Adams, who was covered by Banks. Banks was able to knock the ball away, forcing the Packers to kick a field goal and tie the game at 24-24.
Jones and Golladay connect for two touchdowns
The Giants offense was not as explosive as the Packers, but they were efficient and effective. Daniel Jones completed 22 of 31 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns, both to Kenny Golladay. Golladay had a big game, catching seven passes for 102 yards and two scores. He also drew a pass interference penalty that set up the Giants’ first touchdown.
Golladay’s first touchdown came in the second quarter, when he beat Jaire Alexander on a slant and ran for a 36-yard score. His second touchdown came in the third quarter, when he beat Kevin King on a fade and hauled in a 14-yard pass in the corner of the end zone. Golladay’s second score gave the Giants a 21-14 lead.
Graham Gano kicks game-winning field goal as time expires
The game was tied at 24-24 with 2:14 left in the fourth quarter, when the Giants got the ball at their own 25-yard line. Jones led the Giants on a 10-play, 55-yard drive that ate up the clock and put them in position to win the game. Jones converted two third downs with his legs, running for 11 and 9 yards. He also completed a 12-yard pass to Sterling Shepard on third-and-10.
The Giants reached the Packers’ 20-yard line with three seconds left, and called a timeout to set up the game-winning field goal. Graham Gano, who had made a 52-yard field goal earlier in the game, came on to attempt a 38-yarder. Gano nailed the kick as time expired, sending the Giants and their fans into a frenzy. Gano improved to 26 of 27 on field goals this season, and extended his streak of consecutive made field goals to 37, the longest active streak in the NFL.
What this win means for the Giants
The Giants improved to 6-7 with this win, keeping their playoff hopes alive in the NFC East. They are currently tied with the Washington Commanders for the second place in the division, behind the Dallas Cowboys, who are 8-5. The Giants have three games left, against the Eagles, the Bears, and the Cowboys. They will need to win out and hope for some help from other teams to make the postseason.
The Giants also snapped a five-game losing streak against the Packers, dating back to 2012. They also avenged their 37-20 loss to the Packers in the 2023 NFC Championship Game, which was the last time they faced Rodgers. The Giants showed that they can compete with the best teams in the league, and that they have a bright future with Banks and other young players on their roster.
