Giants Hang on to Beat Lions 28-20

The Giants started today's game with the type of optimism that comes from being on a 2 game winning streak against the alleged elite of the league and having a team that not long ago was 0-16 and has been a wreck for over a decade next on the schedule. Not only are the Lions not a wreck anymore, but they've done reasonably well with backup Shaun Hill under center.

After only one first down and not gaining much else on the first drive of the game, Matt Dodge was called in to punt. He continued his struggles this season by fumbling the snap and allowing the Lions to recover, starting at the Giants 43 yard line. A few plays later, Hill converted the turnover into a touchdown catch by Nate Burleson on 3rd and 1 from the 14 on the left side of the end zone to make it 7-0 after the PAT. Detroit wasn't really challenged much by the Giants defense and made them pay for Matt Dodge's mistake.

Week 6-Lions vs Giants Preview

When the Lions (1-4) take the field against the Giants (3-2) this afternoon at 1:05pm, they look to build on last week's strong performance from quarterback Shaun Hill in their 44-6 dressing down of the St. Louis Rams. Hill completed 22-37 passes, amassing 227 passing yards and 3 touchdowns by the final whistle. Supporting him in his effort will be TE Brandon Pettigrew, who leads the league with 26 receptions and RB Jahvid Best, who leads the team with 4 TDs in 5 games. In order to beat the Giants they will have to block out the memory of losing 23 road games in a row. The Lions have a mountain to climb at the New Meadowlands Stadium if they are going to beat Big Blue at home.

The Giants look to continue their two game winning streak off the back of two consecutive dominating performances in beating the previously undefeated Bears with an NFL record 9 sacks in the first half and limiting the league's leading rushing attack in the Texans to only 24 yards in the Reliant Dome. The Giants' defense ranks number one overall in allowing only 244.6 yards per game and amassing 19 sacks, good for third best. With the Lions number one receiver Calvin Johnson listed as doubtful, the Giants can focus on stopping the Lions rushing attack and rushing the quarterback, a formula that has been successful the past two weeks. In addition to the best defense in the league, the Giants offense has come alive the past few weeks with Manning's increasing confidence in WR Hakeem Nicks (12 receptions for 120 yards, 2 TD vs Houston) and the dynamic running of Ahmad Bradshaw.

"You don't get discouraged by that, we believe in the stuff we're doing," said Hill on facing the Giants for the first time. The Lions lead the NFL in scoring with 25.2 points a game, the league's highest scoring offense against the leading defense, "Let's get it on!"

Other notes: Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes is out with an ankle injury, he has been replaced by Shayne Graham for today's game.