Eli Manning takes control, New York Giants defeat Chicago Bears (Highlights)
Nov 20, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes the ball in the first half against the Chicago Bears at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

In the third quarter at MetLife Stadium, Eli Manning reminded the Chicago Bears who was boss as he led his New York Giants to victory.

  • New York Giants 22 (7-3)
  • Chicago Bears 16 (2-8)
  • NFL, Final, Box Score
  • MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
The first half of this one immediately put all of New York Giants fandom on notice. The haters and the pessimists were out in full force, saying things like, “I told you they aren’t that good.”

John Fox’s Chicago Bears came out fighting and energetic. Anything and everything the Giants did looked slow and five steps behind. The dreaded “take ’em lightly” game continued to remain at the forefront of everybody’s mind after Jay Cutler‘s Bears took a 16-9 lead into halftime.

But then Eli Manning happened and he reminded everybody why he’s a hall of fame caliber NFL QB. Ben McAdoo’s offense scored two touchdowns on their first two drives to begin the second half.

The first one went to Will Tye, set up by a magnificent kick return by Dwayne Harris that allowed Eli’s crew to start near midfield.

Then, Sterling Shepard abused a defender on a slant-and-go in the redzone to give New York a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

Manning finished the day with 227 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. While his stat-line wasn’t overly impressive, it was that third quarter of dominance that allowed his team to tie the game and eventually take the lead.

No Giants receiver racked up the yards. Shepard finished with 50 and that score on five grabs. Victor Cruz finished with one reception for 48 yards. And Odell Beckham Jr. hauled in five for 46. 

The run game came to play. Rashad Jennings carried the ball for 85 yards and a score on 21 tries while Paul Perkins added 16 on four attempts.

Defensively, Steve Spagnuolo’s group rebounded after a horrid start. They were asked to stop Chicago’s offense time and again in the second half, which included one final time late. Landon Collins ended it with a pick of a Jay Cutler desperation heave.

Bears young back Jordan Howard looked dominant in the early going, but, eventually, the talent on New York’s defense took over. Howard could only manage 77 yards on the ground in total.

The Giants picked up three sacks in the game. Jason Pierre-Paul and Olivier Vernon each collected a solo. Additionally, the defense hurried and pressured Jay Cutler effectively in the second half. Like usual, they got stronger as the game rolled along.

Whatever flat action New York played with to open the game disappeared after halftime.

Now enjoying a sparkling 7-3 record, the Giants will head to Cleveland to take on the Browns in Week 12.

Game Notes:

Giants kicker Robbie Gould missed not one, but two extra points in the contest.

A scary moment occurred in the fourth quarter as Bears Leonard Floyd suffered what looked to be a neck injury as he ran into an engaged tackle situation a la Dennis Byrd. He was carted off after spending several minutes on the ground. As FOX’s Kevin Burkhardt mentioned during the broadcast, we did see plenty of movement from Floyd after the scary situation.

Chicago punter Pat O’Donnell was a stud in the second half (averaged 48.2 on six punts). He continually pinned the Giants offense deep in their own end time and again. He, along with the Bears defense, kept the Bears in the contest.

New York outscored Chicago 13-0 in the second half en route to a fifth straight victory.

Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media. Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com