Packers Party Postponed as Giants Complete Sensational Comeback in London
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium resembled Lambeau Field in the Packers’ first visit to London, but it’s the New York Giants (4-1) who will be flying home happy following a sensational 27-22 comeback victory.
The Packers’ offensive struggles have been well documented this season, but they seemed to have turned a page in the first half. This was short-lived however, as Green Bay’s offence stalled out in the second half, much to their quarterback’s frustration.
“We’re a bit of a rollercoaster team at times… we’ve got to find that rhythm, that steadiness” Aaron Rodgers stated postgame.
An opening drive field goal from Mason Crosby was followed by a five play, 60-yard drive ending in Rodgers finding wide-out Allen Lazard for a two-yard touchdown reception.
A gritty, 86-yard, 11-play drive by the Giants in the second quarter put a band-aid on the bleeding, as tight end Daniel Bellinger took advantage of a confused Packers defence following a trick play. The San Diego State product ran it in from two yards out.
With 1.15 left in the first half, the Packers (3-2) drove 45 yards down the field to put Mason Crosby in position for a 48-yard field goal. Crosby drilled it between the posts to end the first half with the Packers in a commanding position.
This would be the last time in the game Green Bay scored offensively.
Head coach Brian Daboll relied heavily on play action passes for quarterback Daniel Jones, and the Giants found success both through the air and on the ground. New York began the second half with a 56-yard drive ending in a Graham Gano 37-yard field goal. From this point on, the Giants dominated the game.
“They kicked our butts second half” Packers Head Coach Matt LeFleur said.
Following a punt on the first drive of the second half, the Giants went 91-yards in 15 plays to get themselves back in the game. Gary Brightwell ran in the first touchdown of his NFL career.
A three-and-out followed for a now desperate looking Packers offence.
“Those two drives hurt us” Rodgers said.
Six plays later, the Giants took a stunning lead to complete the comeback. Saquon Barkley, shortly after visiting the medical tent with a suspected shoulder injury, found the pylon from two yards out.
“(Playing in London) felt like a college game, like away at Michigan” Barkley said.
Green Bay received the ball with six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter looking to tie the game. Rodgers drove the Packers down to the six-yard line and was left with third-and-two.
Rodgers’ pass on third down was tipped by rookie Kayvon Thibodeaux and almost intercepted. With the game on the line, Rodgers’ pass again was tipped incomplete, this time by veteran Xavier McKinney.
LaFleur took responsibility for the failure of the final drive, stating the “play-calls weren’t good enough”.
LaFleur admitted there “certainly been a lot of struggles” for his offence to this point in the season.
When asked about the Packers’ strong support in London, Rodgers stated “First of all we’re sorry. We wanted to come here and put on a show, win a football game”.
As for the Giants, the win guarantees the best start to a season for 13 years, and they have already matched their win total from last season. Daboll was delighted with his players, but especially his coaching staff postgame; “I thought the coordinators did a fantastic job”.
Both teams fly back for home fixtures in Week 6. The Packers host the New York Jets at Lambeau Field, while the Giants face a tough test at home to the Baltimore Ravens.