NY Giants officially eliminated from playoff contention

A sad day here in New Jersey, where the Giants fell just short of the Lions 45-42 in overtime, ending their playoff aspirations. The Giants wrap up the season against Washington, and will finish either 6-10 or 7-9 depending on the result.

Team owner, Mr. GrossWaffle, who purchased the team after winning the mega millions jackpot following their week 1 loss to the Cowboys, could not overcome early season injuries to many of his club's first stringers. Following the return of QB Eli Manning from injury in week 7, the Giants fired their offensive coordinator and installed their version of a West Coast offense. Troubles, however, remained on the defensive side of the ball, where all 4 starters on the defensive line were sidelined until the midseason return of DE's Justin Tuck and later Jason Pierre-Paul.  

As players healed and were able to get more practice and in-game reps during the latter part of the season, results finally began to show. Their week 16 loss to the Lions showed a few bright spots of what Mr. GrossWaffle hopes can become a prolific offense in the 2014 season. It is expected that the Giants will explore the draft, trade market, and free agency for help on the offensive line and secondary in the offseason.

Week 16 summary:

The G-men showed grit, but in the end could not get it done, falling in OT on a last second field goal.

The Giants were clearly outplayed in the first quarter, giving up a huge TD to Calvin Johnson and a defensive TD on an Eli Manning red zone interception. At the break, the Lions led 21-0. They would rebound in the second quarter by putting up 21 points of their own albeit giving up another 14. The first half ended on a 39 yard heave from Eli Manning to Victor Cruz inches from the goal-line, but time expired as Cruz was taken down just short with 1 second remaining and no Giant time-outs. The half ended with the Giants trailing 35-21. Clearly being outclassed, the Giant defense rallied in the second half, allowing a lone touchdown in the third quarter for the remainder of the second half. The Giants would tack on a field goal in the third to make the score 42-24 as the game entered the fourth quarter. The Giants would score early in the 4th to make the game tighter at 42-31, where it was down to the defense to make a stop. Re-gaining possession, it was up to the Lions defense to seal the game. The Giants were stopped short of the marker just outside the red-zone and elected to kick a field goal with less than 4 minutes remaining to make it an 8 point game. With two-timeouts left and the Giants filling the box with blitzers, the Lions elected to pass on second down. Stafford dropped back and Corey Webster made a leaping grab to give the Giants their 4th pick, but more importantly an attempt at a game-tying drive. Using their time wisely, the Giants drove down the field and scored on a David Wilson rush from inside the 10 with 40 seconds to go. Down 2, the conversion was necessary to send it to OT and Victor Cruz made his own leaping grab, with one hand over the middle to tie it up at 42-42. The game was headed to OT where the Giants won the toss. After electing to receive, the Giants marched down the field until Manning was picked off yet again in the red zone. The Lions came out with confidence but only managed to gain 6 yards on 3 plays on their OT drive. A gutsy conversion of a 4th and 5 from deep in their own territory gave the Lions the spark to march down the field and pick up the last second field goal in OT, sealing the game 45-42, and keeping their own playoff aspirations alive.

The Giants will look to overcome this defeat next week, sending them into the offseason with higher spirits.

One of the most exciting games I've played in a very long time, thank you to Lions owner ragjobe for making it so. Also thanks to all members of ELY, I hope to play more of you in the upcoming season. Watch out for the g-men next year, because they'll be out for blood.

Great stuff man, good luck in the draft and next year.