New York Giants interim head coach Mike Kafka didn’t sugarcoat anything after his team fell 30–24 in overtime to the Detroit Lions. In a game where the Giants produced over 500 total yards but still couldn’t secure the win, Kafka offered a candid breakdown of what went wrong, what went right, and what needs to improve moving forward.
Speaking to reporters postgame, Kafka praised the fight his team showed throughout the contest. “The guys played their tails off,” he said, highlighting the grit and competitiveness that kept the Giants in control for much of the afternoon. Despite the effort, Kafka admitted that effort alone wasn’t enough. “We’ve just got to find a way to finish,” he repeated multiple times during his presser.
The Giants entered the fourth quarter with the lead and had multiple chances to close the game out. One of the afternoon’s biggest moments came on a late 4th-and-goal from the 6-yard line, where Kafka chose to stay aggressive and go for the touchdown while leading 27–24. The attempt failed, giving Detroit a spark heading into the final minutes.
Kafka didn’t back away from the decision, explaining, “We’re going to stay aggressive. I believed in our guys in that moment.” However, he also acknowledged that the result didn’t go in their favor, and those missed opportunities ultimately shaped the outcome.
Throughout his comments, Kafka emphasized complementary football — something the Giants struggled to sustain. The offense piled up yards but stalled in key moments. The defense made stops but gave up critical plays late. Special teams missed chances to flip field position. Kafka stressed the need for alignment and consistency across all phases.
“We moved the ball well, we did some good things, but it’s about the full product,” he noted. “We have to execute when it matters most.”
For a Giants team that has continued to play hard despite injuries and adversity, the loss was a frustrating reminder of how slim the margins can be in the NFL. Kafka closed his press conference with a message aimed at keeping the locker room focused and motivated.
“We’re close. The effort is there. Now it’s about finishing,” he said.
As the Giants look ahead to next week, Kafka’s comments send a clear message: the foundation is being built, but finding ways to close games will decide how the rest of the season unfolds.
