EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- For the second time this season the New York Giants won as double-digit underdogs. It just so happens those are their only two victories.
The Giants beat the Kansas City Chiefs 12-9 in overtime at MetLife Stadium. It wasn't especially pretty -- the game's only touchdown came on a 14-yard drive that followed a turnover -- and it was followed up with a missed extra point attempt. At this point though, the Giants (2-8) will take them any way they get them -- especially when almost nobody gave them a chance.
At first glance, without the benefit of film review, here is who stood out and struggled Sunday afternoon:
UP
WR Roger Lewis: The catch he made from his backside late in overtime essentially won the game for the Giants. It was a spectacular play and grab. And even if Lewis didn't haul in the pass, he put himself in position to warrant a pass interference call against the Chiefs defender. A flag was thrown on the play. Lewis finished with three catches on four targets and was the hero in the rare Giants victory. His top skill is making plays downfield. When given that opportunity, he's proving he can make plays and be a useful player for the Giants moving forward.
RT Chad Wheeler: He more than held his own in his first career start. Coach Ben McAdoo said he had a quiet day, which is a good thing for an offensive lineman going against Kansas City's top pass-rusher Justin Houston, who didn't record a sack or quarterback hit in the contest while matched primarily against the undrafted rookie. Wheeler also had a key block along with tight end Rhett Ellison on the game's only touchdown.
S Landon Collins: After two rough weeks, he had his best game of the season on Sunday against the Chiefs. Collins was all over the field making plays, and didn't miss any tackles. He had 14 total tackles -- one for a loss -- with an interception and pass defended. The All-Pro safety was a difference-maker on Sunday.
Honorable Mention: LB Calvin Munson, DE Olivier Vernon, CB Ross Cockrell, LT Ereck Flowers, CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
DOWN
DE Jason Pierre-Paul: It was another quiet afternoon for Pierre-Paul, who did not record a single pressure on 42 rushes mostly against Chiefs right tackle Mitchell Schwartz, according to Pro Football Focus. He finished with five tackles but no sacks or quarterback hits. To his credit, Pierre-Paul was credited with two passes defended, one of which resulted in an interception by defensive tackle Damon Harrison. That play was made by Pierre-Paul.
K Aldrick Rosas: He kicked the game-winning field goal, but it was from 25 yards. If he had missed that he probably wouldn't be on the team today. But among the reasons the Giants needed overtime was Rosas' missed extra point attempt earlier in the contest. He has now missed a kick in five straight games. That's just not good enough.
TE Evan Engram: The rookie pass-catcher didn't have his best game, finishing with one catch for nine yards on six targets. It might have been different if not for a ticky-tack offensive pass interference call that negated a big play late in the game. Still, this was far from Engram's best game. He was a non-factor most of the afternoon.