Giant Win: New York Holds On Despite Falcons Comeback

As Lawrence Tynes' second field goal attempt of the day went wide left I almost saw the Giant's season flash before my eyes.

It was only the second quarter and it was only 7-3 Falcons at that point but it was only a 31 yard field goal. A chip shot that was eerily similar to the field goal that eventually lost the game to to the Chargers two weeks ago, when Tynes and Feagles miscommunicated and didn't even get the kick off.

Today just minutes into overtime there was miscommunication this time as Tynes snuck one in the right goal post and got the Giants' season back on track. It was Tynes' second game winner of the year and first in overtime since the 2007 NFC Championship Game.

As the team jumped for joy at the end of the game you could tell what they were all thinking, finally.

It may be hard to believe but it was 42 days ago that New York last won a game.

The frustration, disappointment, and any other word I could think of for what I had felt until today's win, is over.

For now.

They may have won today, but it was not pretty, which can be a positive since they weren't at their best and still pulled out a win. Although it was more the defense that wasn't on their game, but the running game was mediocre at best.

Eli Manning looked better than ever, literally, it was his best statistical game ever. Manning threw for 384 yards, a career high, and 3 touchdowns. Two touchdowns went to Kevin Boss one of Eli's new favorite targets, and the third went to Madison Hedgecock, his 2nd of his career, well-deserved as Hedgecock is one of the most underrated blocking fullbacks in the league.

The running game like I said, mediocre, at best. Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw combined for 24 carries and 73 yards and 1 score, Jacobs' in the 3rd quarter, which gave the Giants a 24-14 lead.

Besides Boss the rest of the receiving core had a huge impact on the win. Mario Manningham stepped up again as he has all season, the 2nd year man from Michigan didn't have Saturday’s disappointing loss to Ohio State on his mind. As he played very well with over 100 receiving yards. Steve Smith also had another solid today which included a huge 51 yard reception, 1 of his 4 on the day.

Now for the bad part.

Yes you guessed it, the defense. Two words describe that performance today, Ug Ly.

The secondary got lit up by Matt Ryan who threw for 268 yards and 2 touchdowns. For a little while they held Tony Gonzalez in check until he thrashed the defense in the second half with 8 catches and the game tying score with 29 second remaining in the 4th quarter.

The loss of inactive Michael Turner meant nothing as Chris Snelling ran for 2 scores and 76 yards.

Despite no Antonio Pierce the defense was still concerning today as Tom Coughlin said. The offense got them a 31-17 lead and they couldn't hold on. The only reason the Giants ended up on top was because the Falcons had no chance to get another shot after the Tynes game winner.

If it were college overtime rules we may have a different story today.

As Gonzalez made the catch in the end zone to send it to overtime I sat in my living room and my father said, "They just can't stop anyone." I thought about that statement as I paced around my house, and he was right.

The Giants cannot stop anyone on the defensive side of the ball, especially when it matters. Chargers, Saints, Eagles, and Cardinals all beat the Giants because of offense. Chargers in the final seconds thrashed the secondary, the Eagles and Saints just plain made the once force to be reckoned with Giant defense look like a pee-wee team. And the Cardinals drove down the field took the lead and then kept it, something Giants haven't done this year.

The 6-4 Giants will need their concerning defense to step up in their next stretch of games if they are going to play in the post-season. Thanksgiving Night against the ailing Denver Broncos is a start. That is their chance to shut down a team who has lost four in a row and still without signs of Kyle Orton's return, a chance to regain some of their fans and coaches respect. Then home against the Cowboys which has first place in the division implications, is another game that the defense needs to come up big and get the Giants back into the elite team conversation.

If the offense plays like they did today and the get it together defensively, it may look as after all those 5-0 Giants just took a 4 game nap and have 6 more games to wake up.

I like their chances after today maybe not 12-4 but definitely a 10-6 finish. If they beat the Broncos, which they should now that Denver has gone to sleep for awhile, and the Cowboys and Eagles at home then I believe we may be watching the Giants play late in January and maybe even early February for the second time in three years.