Giants defense shines once again against tough NFC opponent

For a second straight week, the New York Giants defense held a team to less than seven points, this one an impressive bend-but-don’t-break type of performance in a 17-6 win over the Detroit Lions.

The Giants defense sparkled last week in a 10-7 home win over the Dallas Cowboys, a night where the offense struggled with three turnovers and the defense was able to carry the game. Now in their Week 15 win over the Lions, the defense was given more of a cushion from the offense in terms of points on the scoreboard but they were equally as stingy as a week ago in keeping Detroit from getting into the end zone.

The Lions were limited to two first half field goals in the loss.

“The defense, they hold a team to six points, you’re going to win a lot of ball games. That’s tough to do in this league, especially against a team like that with that many weapons,” Giants head coach Ben McAdoo said.

“But the defense played lights out today.”

The play of the defense is a bit of a surprise. Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul is out for the regular season with a sports hernia injury, a major loss for the pass rush. In this game cornerback Janoris Jenkins, a major free agent signing, was a second quarter loss when he took a knee to the back and was assisted off the field.

But despite being down two key playmakers, the defense is improving by the week.

The Lions, who at 9-5 have eight comeback wins in the fourth quarter this season, were made a one-dimensional offense by the Giants defense. They had just two just rushing first downs and converted on five of 14 attempts on third down.