Why did Mike Kafka go for it on fourth down?

Kafka chose to go for a touchdown on fourth down to be aggressive and try to score more points, rather than kicking a field goal.

What was the outcome of the Giants' gamble against the Lions?

The Giants' gamble failed as Jameis Winston's pass was incomplete, and they ultimately lost the game 34-27 in overtime.

How did the Lions win against the Giants?

The Lions tied the game with a field goal and then won with a long touchdown run in overtime, capitalizing on the Giants' missed scoring opportunity.

Home / Sports / Giants Interim Coach's Bold Call Backfires in OT Loss

Giants Interim Coach's Bold Call Backfires in OT Loss

24 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Interim coach Mike Kafka opted to go for a touchdown instead of a field goal.
The Giants lost 34-27 in overtime after the gamble failed.
Jameis Winston threw an incomplete pass on fourth down, ending a scoring opportunity.

Giants Interim Coach's Bold Call Backfires in OT Loss

New York Giants interim coach Mike Kafka stood by his aggressive decision to go for a touchdown on fourth down late in Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions. With the Giants leading 27-24 and holding possession deep in Lions territory, Kafka opted against a likely field goal, choosing instead to extend the drive for a touchdown.

This bold strategy ultimately did not pay off. The subsequent pass from Jameis Winston fell incomplete, ending a significant drive without points. The Lions then tied the game with a long field goal and secured a 34-27 victory in overtime, leaving the Giants with another close loss.