Manning's Big Day Fends Off Atlanta Falcons In OT

NFL News - November 22nd, 2009 - Written by John

This time the New York Giants got it right.

After failing to win what head coach Tom Coughlin called a must-win game last week against the San Diego Chargers, Eli Manning went all Peyton Manning with a career-high 384 yards and three touchdowns in another must-win game against the Atlanta Falcons. Lawrence Tynes punched through a 36-yard field goal in overtime to send the Giants to a 34-31 win to equal the pregame line of minus-3.

Mario Manningham had 126 yards through the air, one of four New York receivers with at least four catches and 65 yards. The main target in the red zone was tight end Kevin Boss, who had two touchdowns on five catches. With Dallas barely winning against the Washington Redskins, the Giants are still two games out with three division games left to play.

One thing is crystal clear. The Falcons are a better team when Michael Turner is in the lineup. Without him, the wild card hopefuls floundered against the Carolina Panthers last week, and abandoned the run when they were down by 14 in the fourth quarter. But Jason Snelling was somewhat effective, running for -- yards and two touchdowns, and credit has to be given for a terrific turnaround in the game's last six minutes against the no. 1-ranked defense.

Down 31-17, Matt Ryan engineered two touchdown drives to force the extra time, finding Eric Weems in the end zone from four yards out, then connecting with Tony Gonzalez for an 11-yard strike with 28 seconds.

But the suddenly explosive Giants couldn't be held down after winning the coin toss in overtime, and it only took 3:56 to get Tynes into range.

To discuss this and other NFL related stories be sure to check out our new forum at:
https://www.usaplayers.com/forums