The New York Giants recovered nicely from a tough loss. The New Orleans Saints, meanwhile, can start looking ahead to next season.
Led by four touchdowns from Eli Manning and three from David Wilson, the Giants sent the Saints to the edge of elimination with a 52-27 win Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
It was a big win for the Giants, who entered the game knowing the Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys already had won. The Giants moved to 8-5 on the season, maintaining a one-game lead in the NFC East over both teams with three to play.
This game belonged to Wilson, the 32nd overall draft pick who set a franchise record with 327 all-purpose yards. He had a 97-yard kickoff return for a score, followed by touchdown runs of 6 and 52 yards. Though we're sure Tom Coughlin isn't thrilled with the backflips that followed Wilson's scores, it's safe to say the rookie is out of the coach's doghouse.
For the Saints (5-8), it was a setback that displayed all the issues that have buried them this season. The defense can't stop anybody, which puts too much pressure on an offense that lacks balance.
Drew Brees now has 18 interceptions, tied with Indianapolis Colts rookie Andrew Luck for the most in football. Brees has forced too many throws this season, but he has been put in far too many difficult situations.
The Saints were so flawed in other areas of their roster that Brees needed to be perfect every week. When he wasn't, the losses piled up. Time to get Sean Payton back in the fold and try again.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.
