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For Pride: Giants Edge Chiefs in OT

After Turbulent Week, Giants Pull Off Miraculous Win Against the Chiefs; Improve Record to 2-8.

The theme of the week was simple for the New York Giants. Win one for Coach McAdoo. The team in blue did just that, as they defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in overtime 12-9 for their second win of the season.

It was an ugly win to say the least, as the strong winds played a factor into the play on the field.  New York would strike first in the second quarter, thanks to a one-yard touchdown run by Orleans Darkwa. That would be the Giants’ third rushing score this season. However, kicker Aldrick Rosas would miss the PAT limiting the Giants’ lead to 6-0.

After that touchdown, it was a field goal fest, as Rosas would kick one field goal in regulation. Meanwhile, Chiefs Harrison Butker would kick three field goals, one of which coming in the final seconds of the fourth, to send the game into overtime at 9-9.

The Giants would strike in the final two minutes of extra time, as Eli Manning completed a 34-yard pass on fourth down to a diving Roger Lewis, making a miraculous catch. That would set up a game-winning 23-yard field goal by Rosas, giving New York their second win of the season.

“Great to get a win at home. Guys played great today,” said McAdoo. “…Just a tremendous team win. Fought through a lot of adversity against a good football team.”

A Win for McAdoo

Ben McAdoo has been spared his coaching life this past week. Giants owners John Mara and Steve Tisch released a statement after their loss to San Francisco, saying that there would be no coaching change this season. Instead, ownership will explore their options at season’s end.

While the damage may already be done, this victory does help McAdoo’s case a bit. The victory is sweeter when holding a notorious high-scoring team to just three field goals. The team showed up big time and performed at a high level with the head coach now on the permanent hot seat. As we saw during Sunday’s game, McAdoo was much more animated on the sidelines, breaking away from his stereotypical silent persona. The head coach had to show to his owners that he has the passion to help turn things around with less than half of the season remaining.

However, his monotone behavior did not fade in post game press conferences, as he seemed to have no feelings about his job status at season’s end. Instead, McAdoo focused on his team’s impressive effort against a tough Kansas City team.

“I thought we played well as a football team,” said McAdoo. “I thought we played hard. We knew to beat this team we were going to have to come out and exceed their effort and play hard and play physical and play heavy-handed and that’s what we did today.

Collins Back to His Old, Dominant Ways

The Giants defense has been sketchy this season, which was shown during their last two games against the Rams and 49ers. After a team meeting filled with constructive criticism towards all Giants players, it appeared to be the ignition the defense needed.

Landon Collins did struggle in those two games, but he did bounced back in a big way against an explosive Chiefs offense. The strong safety recorded a whopping 15 tackles (11 solo, four assisted), as well as hauling in an interception off tight end Travis Kelce in the fourth quarter. With many signaling that Collins might be trending in the wrong direction, he proved the doubters wrong.

“…we played defense more like we did last year,” said Collins. “With instinct, we didn’t really have to think about anything.  It was fun.”

Jenkins Rebounds

Perhaps nobody on the Giants had a worse week than cornerback Janoris Jenkins. After returning from a one-week suspension, Jenkins had a less-than-memorable game against the 49ers. Getting burned by a deep touchdown reception and having questionable tackle attempts, Jenkins caught the ire of many. The corner set the record straight, he did not care what his critics said, he knows his potential.

Jenkins did just that, as he recorded five total tackles (four solo, one assisted), as well as coming up with an interception late in the fourth quarter off Alex Smith. That pick helped set up Rosas’ go-ahead field goal.

Since joining the Giants, Jenkins has proven that he is a true shut down corner. The amount of numerous top receivers he has shut down, that is what New York is expecting week-in and week-out. Sunday, Jenkins proved his worth to the Giants, as he played a key factor in sealing their victory, as well as silencing the doubt around him.

“I don’t pay attention to that, man,” said Jenkins. “Like I said, last week was last week. We came out, we played good this week and we’re just moving forward.”

Offense Still a Problem

While the Giants defense performed highly, the offense struggled to say the least.

Sterling Shepard was ruled out prior to the game due to migraines. With this absence, the young receiving corps would have to step up big time. Manning would complete 19 of 35 pass attempts for 205 yards, but would not throw a touchdown or interception. There is still a feeling-out process going on with Manning the corps, although Lewis and Tavarres King stood out in particular.

Darkwa did help in the running game, as he rushed for 74 yards on 20 attempts. Not only that, but he would score the only touchdown of the game for both team.

New York did try to utilize some trick plays, but did not necessarily work. One in particular was a red-zone pass from running back Shane Vereen. The result of that play? An interception, which would cost the Giants points. With a team sitting way out of a playoff spot, what else did they have to lose?

“We’ll give him a hard time,” said Manning. “I asked him if he’d thrown any passes in the NFL before and he said that was his first. I said ‘that was probably your last, also. He’ll take a hard time about that but that’s okay after a win.”

Regardless, the offense did just enough, as they walked out of a windy MetLife Stadium with the “W.”

What’s Next?

The Giants look to build off this momentum, as they face the rival Washington Redskins on Thanksgiving night. Will the Giants gain their third win of the season on short rest? Or will they fall back to reality once again?

 

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General Editor and New York Giants Lead Writer.
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