The New York Giants suffered a heartbreaking 34-27 overtime loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday, and one late-game decision immediately sparked national attention — even former U.S. President Donald Trump reacted online, questioning the call.
With 2:00 remaining in regulation, the Giants held a 27-24 lead and faced a critical fourth-and-goal from the Detroit 6-yard line. Instead of taking a near-certain field goal to extend the lead to six points, interim head coach Mike Kafka kept the offense on the field. Quarterback Jameis Winston targeted tight end Theo Johnson, but Lions cornerback Rock Ya-Sin broke up the pass, giving Detroit possession after a turnover on downs.
According to Next Gen Stats, the Giants had a 93% win probability at first-and-goal before the controversial sequence.
Shortly after the game, Trump posted on Truth Social calling the decision “crazy,” questioning why the Giants didn’t take the easy points. His comment quickly added fuel to the already intense debate among fans and analysts.
Detroit took advantage of the mistake, driving 53 yards across 13 plays to set up kicker Jake Bates, who drilled a 59-yard field goal as time expired to force overtime. The Giants couldn’t score on their first OT drive, and Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs delivered the knockout blow with a 69-yard touchdown run to seal the victory.
The loss dropped New York to 2-10, officially making them the first team eliminated from playoff contention this season. For a franchise already struggling, the decision to pass on a field goal — and the national reaction that followed — will likely remain a major talking point for weeks.
