Game recap: Giants stun Packers in 27-22 London victory
In the second international game of the NFL season, the New York Giants upset the Green Bay Packers in a 27-22 win to move 4-1 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Coming into the game, there were questions about if Daniel Jones would start after sustaining an ankle injury last week. Jones did play and helped the Giants to the victory as he completed 21 of 27 passes for 217 yards, with no interceptions.
In the first half, the Packers were firing on all cylinders as Aaron Rodgers had two touchdown passes to Aaron Lazard and Marcedes Lewis to help build their lead to 20-10 at the half.
The second half was all about Saquon Barkley and the Giants’ offence. Barkley would leave in the third quarter only to come back in the fourth to take a direct snap and run for a 2-yard touchdown which would complete their incredible win over Green Bay with six minutes left to play.
The Giants scored 17 unanswered points in the second half as Jones led three scoring drives to erase a 20-10 deficit. It’s the Giants’ best start since 5-0 in 2009 and matches their win total from last season (4-13).
Rodgers had a great game as he finished 25-of-39 with 222 passing yards and two touchdowns. However, he was held scoreless in the second half as his playmakers let him down. Despite Randall Cobb going for 99 yards and getting 7 receptions, they struggled to make anything out of their passing game as Rookie receivers Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs struggled to make an impact.
Both finished with 30 yards combined. But what was more concerning was the lack of running from the Packers. A.J. Dillon and Aaron Jones combined to average 5.1 yards per carry, yet OC Adam Stenavich called more than twice as many passes (39) as runs (19) for their two RBs. This was costly as Rodgers failed to convert a 4th and 1 near the goal-line late in the game. Perhaps giving the RBs a chance to get a first down would have changed the game.
After the game, Packers Coach Matt LeFleur gave high praise to their opponent’s effort and play.
”Give New York all the credit. They outcoached us, they outplayed us… They definitely wanted it more. It was the tale of two halves. They kicked our butt in the second half. You can’t do that in this league.”
Defensive issues for Packers
The Packers coming into the season was considered one of the best defenses in the league. Through four weeks it showed that it was one of the best. However in London, the Packers’ defense just collapsed. Its defence has the best in the NFL based on its individual talent. One of the league’s best defenses shouldn’t allow a hobbled offence to score on five consecutive drives.
Everyone from Darnell Savage Jr. to Eric Stokes to Rasul Douglas to a mediocre pass rush contributed to the breakdown, a concerning sign with (seemingly) better offense coming later in the season.
The defence will need to figure out what went wrong and how to improve as they have perhaps the toughest offence to deal with in the Buffalo Bills on the 30th.
Giants’ defense: better than the offense?
This season DC Don “Wink” Martindale has had the Giants playing more aggressively and against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, it paid off.
LeFleur highlighted the Giants’ desire to win and that was shown in the way the defense played.
The D-line for the Giants sacked Rodgers twice, with the first one coming from Dexter Lawrence on third down and ended a Packers drive in the third quarter. The second one, which came from Oshane Ximines, prevented Rodgers from throwing a Hail Mary on the final play of the game.
They really frustrated Rodgers so much that he was held scoreless and only threw for 76 yards in the second half. The defense having the ability to make big plays continuously was a big reason why this victory over Green Bay is even more impressive.
Giants a genuine playoff contenders
Many people would not have the Giants being 4-1 at this stage, only diehard fans could have predicted such a turnaround. The three wins against the Titans, Panthers and Bears were not enough to convince many, but a win against the Packers who are NFC contenders and have Super Bowl aspirations?
The Giants are playoff contenders for sure! This win against the Packers was impressive, especially considering how many injuries they had. It’s hard not to consider them contenders with four wins. They can still collapse, but it looks like coaching has made a serious difference for them.
Looking ahead
The Giants (4-1) will head back to MetLife Stadium to host the Baltimore Ravens (3-2), while the Green Bay Packers (3-2) will look to bounce back against the Zach Wilson led New York Jets (3-2) at Lambeau Field.
