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Giants, Titans grab Monday Night upset victories

NFL

In a Monday night showdown at MetLife Stadium, the New York Giants orchestrated a late-game rally, securing an unexpected victory over the Green Bay Packers with a final score of 24-22. Quarterback Tommy DeVito played a pivotal role in the triumph, delivering a crucial 32-yard pass to Wan’Dale Robinson to set up Randy Bullock’s game-winning 37-yard field goal as time expired. This marked the Packers’ first December loss since Matt LaFleur assumed the coaching role in 2019.

Despite being an undrafted free agent, 25-year-old DeVito continued to shine in his unlikely rookie season, making his fourth consecutive start due to injuries to Daniel Jones and Tyrod Taylor. DeVito, a New Jersey native, guided the Giants to their third consecutive win, showcasing his talent and composure in high-pressure situations.

The Giants’ winning drive covered 57 yards in eight plays, responding to a late 6-yard touchdown pass from Green Bay’s Jordan Love to Malik Heath with only 1:33 left on the clock. A critical 2-point conversion attempt by Green Bay was thwarted when linebacker Bobby Okereke stopped Jayden Reed, allowing the Giants to secure the victory. The go-ahead touchdown for the Giants was set up by a Saquon Barkley fumble.

Despite leading at halftime, the Packers, now 6-7 for the season, experienced their first December loss under Coach LaFleur, dropping to 16-1 in December games since 2019. Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love finished the game 25 of 39 for 218 yards but expressed disappointment in the team’s execution.

The Packers will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their next game, while the Giants are set to take on the New Orleans Saints.

At Hard Rock Stadium in suburban Miami, Tennessee Titans’ rookie quarterback Will Levis faced adversity in the fourth quarter against the Dolphins but rebounded with two late touchdown drives, leading the Titans to a stunning 28-27 comeback victory on Monday night. Levis, making his sixth career start due to injuries to Daniel Jones and Tyrod Taylor, overcame a critical mistakeā€”a fumble resulting from a bad pitch to Derrick Henry.

After the fumble gave Miami a 14-point lead, Levis orchestrated a nine-play, 75-yard drive, connecting with DeAndre Hopkins for a 3-yard touchdown pass and completing a 2-point conversion to Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. The Titans’ defense secured a crucial stop, setting the stage for another Levis-led drive. This time, he connected with Hopkins for a 28-yard pass and Chigoziem Okonkwo for 16 yards, leading to a Derrick Henry 3-yard rushing touchdown. The ensuing extra point gave the Titans a one-point lead.

Harold Landry III’s sack on Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sealed the victory for the Titans. The Dolphins lost at home for the first time this season, and their three-game winning streak was snapped, dropping them out of the top spot in the AFC.

The game featured a notable absence as star receiver Tyreek Hill sat out part of the game due to an ankle injury. Despite Hill’s limited participation, the Dolphins led 13-10 at halftime. Miami’s top-ranked offense struggled against the Titans’ defense in the first half, with the Dolphins failing to score in the red zone.

A series of events in the fourth quarter, including a fumble recovery and two rushing touchdowns by Raheem Mostert, initially gave Miami a comfortable lead. However, Levis’ resilience and late-game heroics secured an improbable comeback for the Titans.

The Titans (5-8) will face the Houston Texans next, while the Dolphins (9-4) will host the New York Jets in their upcoming matchups.