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Studs and duds from New York Giants' Week 12 loss to Detroit Lions

2025-11-23 22:01
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Here's a look at the studs and duds (and those in between) from the New York Giants' 34-27 overtime loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 12.

Studs and duds from New York Giants' Week 12 loss to Detroit LionsStory byGiants WireJohn Fennelly, Giants WireSun, November 23, 2025 at 10:01 PM UTC·3 min read

The New York Giants headed into their Week 12 game with the Detroit Lions at Ford Field riding a five-game losing streak and without starting quarterback Jaxson Dart (concussion). They entered the game as 14-point underdogs.

The Lions (6-4) had outscored opponents 134-67 (+67) at home this season and were 0-4 in games in which they trailed at halftime.

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The Giants kept their losing streak intact, while the Lions finally came back and won a game after being down at the half.

Here's a breakdown of the studs, duds, and in-betweens from the Giants' 34-27 overtime Week 12 loss to the Lions.

Stud: HC Mike Kafka

Mike Kafka knew he'd need to provide his team with some spark and did so with two trick plays. On the first drive, Kafka called a flea flicker on the Detroit 39-yard line. Quarterback Jameis Winston took the snap and handed it off to running back Devin Singletary, who tossed it back to Winston, who found a wide-open Wan'Dale Robinson for the score.

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In the early fourth quarter, wide receiver Gunner Olszewski took an end-around and hit Winston down the left sideline for a 33-yard touchdown. It was the first NFL reception of Winston's career.

Dud: Giants' defense

Once again, the Giants blew a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter, allowing the Lions to score on a long touchdown run by Jahmyr Gibbs and then allowing Detroit to tie the game on a 59-yard field goal with 28 seconds left in regulation. Gibbs then topped himself in overtime, galloping 69 yards untouched for the game-winning score.

The run defense is laughably bad, surrendering 237 yards on the ground on just 20 attempts (11.5 YPC). For Kafka to make a serious run at the permanent head coaching job, he's got to distance himself from defensive coordinator Shane Bowen.

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Stud: QB Jameis Winston

You never know what you're going to get from Jameis Winston, but one thing is for sure -- you will be entertained. The Lions had not had a quarterback pass for over 300 yards against them all season, but leave it to Jameis to come in and pick them apart.

The former Heisman Trophy winner completed 18 of 36 passes for 366 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught a touchdown, as mentioned above. Winston did everything in his power to win this one, but with this defense, it's never going to be enough.

Dud: P Jamie Gillan

Jamie Gillan averaged 40 yards on his three attempts with a long of 44, but he looks as if he's hurting or just tired. He had another shanked punt in this game. It wouldn't be surprising if he's not on the roster next year.

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Stud: WR Wan'Dale Robinson

Wan'Dale Robinson continues to contribute in big spots, catching nine of 14 targets for 156 yards and a score. He is going to form a worthy duo next season when Malik Nabers comes back from his ACL rehab.

Dud: LB Brian Burns

Brian Burns had his hands full with Lions' Pro Bowl right tackle Penei Sewell and finished the game with just two assisted tackles. He failed to record a sack or a quarterback hit on Lions quarterback Jared Goff during the game.

Studly dud: Giants running game

The Giants only averaged 3.1 yards per carry in the game, but rushed 39 times, moved the sticks, and held the ball for over 37 minutes, keeping the Lions' explosive offense off the field for a good portion of the game.

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More studs

  • TE Theo Johnson

  • WR Isaiah Hodgins

  • WR Gunner Olszewski

  • DL Darius Alexander

  • S Jevon Holland

  • LB Abdul Carter

More duds

  • RB Eric Gray

  • CB Korie Black

  • S Dane Belton

This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Studs and duds from New York Giants' Week 12 loss to Detroit Lions

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