The Detroit Lions return to Ford Field this week looking to shake off a frustrating loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. With the NFC North race tightening, Detroit can’t afford another setback — and Sunday’s matchup with the struggling New York Giants offers a chance to reset.
Giants OnSI reporter Patricia Traina recently broke down several key topics ahead of the game while answering five questions from Lions OnSI.
- How has interim head coach Mike Kafka handled his new role?
Traina: Kafka’s first game in charge showed a lot of promise. Throughout the week, he looked composed, decisive, and well-prepared. Players mentioned feeling a new spark from the adjustments he made, and many appreciated the calmer, steadier tone he brought to the locker room.
Even though New York didn’t come away with a win, most of what Kafka did earned positive reviews. One moment that stood out was his decision to briefly bench rookie Abdullah Carter after a costly mistake. Whether it was intentional or not, Carter’s miscue needed to be addressed — and Kafka sending that message set the tone for accountability.
- Why has New York struggled to protect leads this season?
Traina: It’s been a mix of poor execution and defensive overcomplication. I’ve mentioned this frequently on my podcast: when a defense is having trouble, simplify things. Instead, the Giants have often overloaded their players with too many coverages and concepts, especially late in games.
Injuries have also taken a toll. Losing linebacker Micah McFadden in Week 1 created a hole that hasn’t been talked about nearly enough. Meanwhile, the secondary — a unit I questioned since training camp — has lacked high-end talent despite having bodies at the position. Unfortunately, that concern became reality.
- Quarterback Jaxson Dart has generated excitement. What makes him stand out, and who does he resemble?
Traina: Dart brings an attitude that’s reminiscent of a young Phil Simms — confident, bold, unafraid to take command. Simms wasn’t nearly as mobile as Dart, but their competitive edge feels similar.
Eli Manning? Totally different vibe. Manning was the quiet, calculated type — a contrast to Simms’ fiery style. Both are great players, but their personalities don’t line up with Dart’s.
What impresses me most about Dart is how polished he already looks. His poise and football IQ make it easy to forget he’s a rookie. He commands the offense well, plays with maturity, and has the toughness to bounce back immediately after a big hit.
- What matchups will define this game?
Traina: First, the Giants’ pass rush versus Detroit’s banged-up offensive line. With injuries at both tackle spots, the Lions will have their hands full. Edge rusher Brian Burns has been dominant, posting the Giants’ quickest time-to-sack (4.41 seconds) and the fastest pressure rate (3.24 seconds). If he starts winning early, Detroit could be in trouble.
The other key battle: Gibbs and Montgomery versus New York’s run defense — which has been one of the league’s weakest. The Giants allow 5.5 yards per carry and nearly 150 rushing yards per game. They’re also giving up over two yards before contact and some of the highest yards-after-contact numbers in the NFL.
If Detroit’s run game has been searching for a spark, this matchup gives them a perfect opportunity to get back on track.
- Final score prediction
Traina: I’ve been wildly off on predictions this season, so take this with caution. The Giants have dropped half of their losses by multiple scores, making them unpredictable week to week.
But since Detroit has shown it can put up points quickly, I’ll lean their way:
Lions 30, Giants 19.
