Packers vs. Giants: 8 Things We Learned in Green Bay's 38-35 Win

The New York Giants almost did it again by dealing a perfect squad its first loss of the season. 

They were a game-winning kick away from taking the undefeated Green Bay Packers to overtime at home, but they made the grave mistake of handing Aaron Rodgers 58 seconds to lead his team into field goal range.

Thus, the Packers escaped with the win and the Giants are 6-6 with their playoff hopes fading into the distance.

Here are eight things we learned from one of the most exciting wins of Green Bay's 12 victories this season.

Packers' Pass Defense Still Susceptible to Big Plays

It took three plays for the Giants to exploit a Packers secondary that has been shaky all season long.

Eli Manning hit a wide open Travis Beckum who, after burning safety Charlie Peprah, took advantage of poor positioning by Morgan Burnett and ran in for a 67-yard score.

Two drives later, Manning connected with Victor Cruz for a 42-yard gain to set up a field goal for the Giants.

However, the big bomb came in the third quarter when Tramon Williams was beat by Hakeem Nicks for 51 yards. 

After 12 weeks of football, the Packers are still struggling to deny their opponents big plays through the air.

Clay Matthews Can Cover

Everyone knows that Clay Matthews can get to the quarterback, but his pass coverage skills are often overlooked.

After two picks in the last two weeks, there is now no doubt that Clay can cover.

The Giants were up 10-7 in the first quarter when Matthews jumped a dump off pass to Ahmad Bradshaw and took it 38 yards for the go-ahead touchdown.

Donald Driver Still Has It

The 36-year-old veteran hasn't seen as many targets as he used to this season, but he's been extremely reliable when called upon.

Two of his four receptions against New York were touchdown catches and he also picked up 34 yards.

Donald Driver's thousand-yard seasons are behind him, however, his talent has yet to be imprisoned in the past.

He was wide open on his first score, but he barely got his feet in on the second, all while making an impressive grab.

Double D's smile says it all.

Jermichael Finley Needs to Clean Up His Game

Jermichael Finley finally found his way into the end zone, but he had several big drops that simply should not have been.

If he ever wants to be as great as he thinks he can be, he has to be able to haul in these easy passes.

The young tight end has high hopes of revolutionizing his position, however, he was certainly humbled against the Giants; the two men behind him on the depth chart nearly outplayed him.

Finley also flops to draw flags and begs for penalties to cover up his mistakes. It's time for him to be quiet and clean up his game.

At least he ended on a good note with a clutch reception on the Pack's game-winning drive.

Mason Crosby Can Tackle

Green Bay kicked the ball off after scoring late in the second quarter and former Packer, Will Blackmon, brought it out of the end zone for the Giants.

At first look it appeared that Blackmon might have a chance to score, or at least have a huge return, but kicker Mason Crosby brought him to the turf with a nice tackle, conserving field position for the Pack.

Crosby did miss a 43-yard field goal to end the first half, however, he still deserves credit for his possible touchdown-saving take down and for the game-winning boot.

Jason Pierre-Paul Has Hops

Jason Pierre-Paul may be a defensive lineman, but that doesn't mean he can't get up there.

He jumped up at least twice to bat down a pass at the line and he makes his vertical presence known on every field goal attempt.

After a playing a great game, I almost expected him to be in there to get his hands on what became the game-winning kick.

Brandon Saine Can Play

Running back James Starks was carted off the field with an ankle injury early in the game, giving undrafted free agent Brandon Saine an opportunity to contribute to the Packers' offensive success.

Saine caught four passes for 29 yards and ran for 16 yards

Rodgers has even said that Saine has some of the best hands he's ever seen, and that's saying a lot if you take a look at his loaded receiving corps.

The rookie out of Ohio State has a bright future and he proved he can play against the Giants on Sunday.

Rodgers Can Lead the Pack in Tight Games

If the Packers' undefeated season was ever in question, it was on Sunday night against the Giants, with the score locked at 35 with a minute left on the clock.

Green Bay only had one time out left and overtime was looking likely. Then Aaron Rodgers and his receivers stepped up.

After two plays, the Pack were already inside field goal range and their star quarterback performed mightily in the clutch, putting the Giants defense to shame.

Mason Crosby split the uprights for the 38-35 victory and the Packers remained perfect despite a very, very tight fourth quarter.