Giants OT Collapse Reaches New Low in Week 12 as the Detroit Lions rally to a 34 to 27 win. Defensive coaching questions continue, and the fourth quarter issues prove no lead is safe.
Before diving into the game itself, I need to start with this. It is frustrating to look back at the offseason and realize that most of the money and focus went to the defensive side of the ball. On paper the defense looked strong. Many of us said that before the season. Yet here we are watching one of the worst defensive units in the league. It is shocking how far the group has fallen. I warned people that Shane Bowen could be an issue and we are seeing exactly that every single week.
The New York Giants continue to find new ways to lose games they should win. Until the defense is fixed, these collapses will keep happening. Now let’s look at what went wrong in this latest loss.
Shane Bowen’s Defense Remains a Major Problem
Shane Bowen delivered another fourth quarter collapse. At this point there is not a single lead that feels safe with him running the defense. Ten point lead, fourteen point lead, it does not matter. The Giants defense cannot close, and it starts with his coaching.
Then came the overtime disaster. Your star defensive tackle is standing on the sideline for the first play of overtime. The Lions immediately score on a 69 yard touchdown. That kind of decision should cost a coach his job on Monday morning. It continues to feel like Bowen is not adjusting, not improving, and not putting players in positions to succeed.
The run defense also hit a new low. Jahmyr Gibbs ran wild for 219 yards. The Lions finished with 237 on the ground. That type of performance falls on coaching and preparation. This defense was supposed to be the strength of the team, yet it feels like the biggest liability.
Jameis Winston Shines Despite the Loss
Jameis Winston actually played one of his best games in a Giants uniform. Three total touchdowns and even one he caught himself. He threw for 366 passing yards and kept the Giants alive all afternoon. Yes, he took a sack to end the game. Yes, he threw a pick. Even with those mistakes, he outperformed expectations and kept the Giants competitive.
The Offense Shows Life Under Kafka and Kelly
Mike Kafka and Tim Kelly deserve some credit. The offense finally looked creative. The trick plays worked. They created scoring opportunities. Even the offensive line held strong for nearly the entire game. Outside of the final sack, the line played one of its best games of the season and has been one of the few bright spots.
Isaiah Hodgins continues to prove why the Giants made a mistake by not signing him the moment Malik Nabers went down. Hodgins has more touchdown catches in two games than Jalin Hyatt has in twelve. Hodgins stepped in and became one of the Giants most reliable targets right away. Joe Schoen not making that move sooner was a major miss.
Wan’Dale Robinson also had the best game of his career. He looked explosive, dependable, and ready to cash in as a pending free agent.
Young Talent Steps Up While Other Spots Remain Issues
Rookie Darius Alexander grabbed two sacks and showed real progress. The Giants need their young defenders to develop, and this was one of the few positive signs.
On special teams, Younghoe Koo continues to make a strong case to be the Giants kicker next year. He looks steady, confident, and reliable.
Mike Kafka Still Chasing His First Win
Mike Kafka is now 0 and 2 as the interim head coach, but he is keeping the Giants competitive. They have been in both games. They have played hard for him. If he wants the permanent job, wins will matter. Close losses will not be enough. The front office needs to see real results.
Playoff Hopes Are Gone
The Giants are officially eliminated from playoff contention. All eyes now turn to draft positioning and how the final stretch shapes the future of this team.
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