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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The New York Giants‘ season has been confusing to many Giant faithful. Sunday afternoon added to the saga of “should’ve” won games for New York. The Giants let one slip away at MetLife Stadium, and the locker room was a tough place to be post game. The emotions from the New York players were visible, and the loss will definitely sting going into the bye week.
When the New England Patriots come into town, you know it is going to be a big game. The first drive of the game, Tom Brady was able to march his team down the field and score a TD. The way the Patriots offense was running, it did not look good for New York. Eli Manning however, connected with Odell Beckham Jr. on the second play of the Giants opening drive for an 87 yard TD. This tied the game at 7-7, and brought life back to MetLife.
Manning did his job for New York, tallying 361 yards on 24/44 passing and 2 TD’s. There were only a couple of questionably thrown balls, but for the most part Manning was putting it on the money. His long touch passes down the sideline were particularly impressive. Most importantly, Manning did not throw an interception against the Patriots.
Dwayne Harris has really emerged as a quality wide receiver for the Giants. New York was able to get six receptions for 82 yards and a TD out of Harris. Harris made a couple crucial 3rd down conversion catches, and showed how good his hands were on a couple catches. New York has found more than just a kick returner in Harris, and Harris has played exceptionally well in Victor Cruz‘ absence. The Giants will definitely need Harris to continue his production now that Cruz will miss the rest of the season. Cruz will be having calf surgery, and has not played a single game this season.
Brady had a decent game, recording 334 yards on 26/42 passing. Brady had two TD’s and one interception to Trumaine McBride in the red zone. Brandon LaFell was the intended target, but Brady made a bad throw behind him on a slant. Brady was able to will his Patriots back from a 24-26 deficit with 1:47 left. The two minute drill was ran to perfection by Brady as he led a 12 play, 44 yard drive. Brady was able to convert on a 4th and 10, which later set up Stephen Gostkowski for a game winning 54 yard FG.
The Giants defense played well for most of the game, but looked tired towards the end of the game. Giant players were missing tackles and allowed 17 second half points to the Patriots. It was encouraging to see that the pass rush was able to get to Brady and cause two strip sacks. The secondary needs to play better without a doubt. Landon Collins dropped a game sealing interception, and New York allowed Danny Amendola to have ten receptions for 79 yards. Amendola hasn’t had ten receptions all year long, and only had two games where he had more than 79 yards.
Beckham Jr. had a good game tallying four receptions for 104 yards and a TD. However, Beckham Jr. caught a pass in the end zone that should’ve been a TD in the 4th quarter. Malcolm Butler was able to jar the ball out and prevent Beckham Jr. from securing the catch. That catch could’ve put the Giants up 30-24, and forced New England to score a TD to win.
We can crunch the numbers and say what could’ve been, but the bottom line is that the Giants need to finish games. New York is not good enough to give away wins and they will need to solve this issue. Finishing has plagued them all year, and the Giants need to find a solution during their bye week. New York now sits at 5-5, and will play the Washington Redskins in Week 12.
Barry Holmes is a Feature Writer for PureSportsNY.com. Follow him on Twitter @BHO732