The New York Giants improve to 10-4 following their 17-6 victory over the Detroit Lions (9-5) in the home regular season finale at MetLife stadium. This is the first time since the 2010 season that the Giants have won 10 games.
The New York Giants defense was dominant once again as they kept the Lions out of the end zone and held them to only 56 rushing yards. Whenever the Giants defense needed to make a play they made it, and the offense did enough to get the win.Here are the players that deserve game balls in the Giants win over the Lions
1. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
Rodgers-Cromartie got beat deep on a 67-yard completion to Golden Tate in the second quarter, but DRC hustled and was able to tackle Tate from behind at the Giants 11-yard line. On the next play, Leon Hall forced a fumble by Zach Zenner that Olivier Vernon recovered in the end zone for a touchback. The hustle by DRC saved seven points.
He was also second on the team in tackles with seven and had a game-clinching interception in the end zone at the two-minute warning in the fourth quarter. Giants needed DRC to have a big game especially once Janoris Jenkins left the game with an injury, and he delivered.
2. Odell Beckham Jr.
What more can we say about Odell Beckham Jr. Once again he led the team in receptions (6) and yards (64). Late in the third quarter he made a speculator one-handed catch for a 4-yard touchdown. It was Beckham’s 10th touchdown reception on the season and with that he became the only Giant in franchise history to have three consecutive seasons with 10 or more touchdown receptions.
3. Eli Apple
Eli Apple made a key pass defense in the end zone early in the second quarter that prevented a Golden Tate touchdown. Apple’s play helped the Giants hold the Lions to a field goal. Apple finished the day with seven tackles
4. Justin Pugh
Justin Pugh missed the Giants last five games with an MCL sprain in his right knee. With Pugh back in the lineup, the Giants running game showed some life. The Giants ran the ball 32 times for 114 yards. Having Pugh back will give the Giants offense a much more balanced attack.
5. Brad Wing
Last week, Brad Wing was named NFC Special Team Player of the Week, and he might be well on his way to earning that award this week. Despite having one of his punts partially blocked, Wing averaged 42.6 yards per punt attempt and had two punts downed inside the 5-yard line.
