The Giants.com crew members give their final takeaways from the team's 34-27 overtime loss to the Lions in Detroit.
John Schmeelk: The Giants lost another game on Sunday where they held a fourth-quarter lead, but that issue has hidden another streak for Big Blue.
The Giants have scored at least 20 points in seven straight games. It's the first time they have done that in a single season since 2011, and only the third time since 1990. It is also the fourth-longest active streak behind the Colts, Patriots, and Cardinals. The Giants' offense has been remarkably consistent this season since Jaxson Dart established himself as the starting quarterback, and it has continued in the past two games when Jameis Winston took over while the rookie recovers from his concussion.
The Giants' offense is up to 11th in the NFL in yards per game. Their 29th-ranked red zone touchdown rate (47.6 percent) and second-to-last goal-to-go touchdown rate (55 percent) are holding them back from averaging more than 22 points per game, which ranks 18th in the NFL. Their inability to score a touchdown after having it first-and-goal is a good example of those struggles.
It should not take away from how well Winston has thrown the football. Even his miss to Wan'Dale Robinson on the final drive might have been on target if Robinson didn't have to hesitate just a little bit at the top of his route to avoid running into Isaiah Hodgins. Winston did throw an interception, but it didn't end up hurting the team as the Lions failed to score on that drive.
Winston has been consistently quick to read the defense, find the right target, and deliver it on time. He throws with great decisiveness and anticipation, often letting the ball go before his receiver is out of his break, or even before he begins to break down at the top of the route. It is a good skill Dart can work on emulating as he watches a veteran quarterback navigate the offense.
Winston has also been able to create explosive plays on a consistent basis. He had five completions of 30 or more yards on Sunday, and another of 26. In his two starts, he has 10 completions of 20 or more yards. His aggressiveness is something already in Dart's repertoire, and something he will try to continue once he is healthy enough to be the starting quarterback.
If the Giants' defense can figure out a way to get to the middle of the pack, the team should be able to walk away with some wins in their final five games.