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New York Giants 21 – Los Angeles Chargers 18

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NEW YORK GIANTS 21 – LOS ANGELES CHARGERS 18…
The New York Giants pulled off a tremendous upset on Sunday, beating the previously undefeated Los Angeles Chargers 21-18 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. However, the victory came at a high cost, as it is believed that wide receiver Malik Nabers suffered a season-ending ACL tear in his right knee. The Giants were win-less coming into the game and now are 1-3 on the season. The game also marked the first start for rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.

The Chargers out-gained the Giants in total yards (338 to 250) and net yards passing (186 to 89), but the Giants won the turnover battle 2-0, slightly out-rushed the Chargers (161 to 152), and held a commanding advantage in time of possession (35:28 to 24:32). The Chargers were also penalized 14 times for 107 yards. The Giants improved on third down, going 7-of-15 (46.7 percent), but still had problems in the red zone (2-of-5 for 40 percent).

The Chargers received the ball to start the game and promptly went three-and-out. Starting at their own 11-yard line, the Giants drove the field in nine plays. Key plays included a 14-yard pass interference penalty, a 3rd-and-1 conversion by running back Cam Skattebo followed by him gaining 16 yards, and a 13-yard pass from Dart to Nabers. Dart finished the drive with a 15-yard touchdown run.

The Chargers only gained 29 yards on eight plays on their second possession and punted again. The Giants picked up one first down with an 18-yard completion from Dart to wide receiver Darius Slayton, but punted after a 3rd-and-10 sack. New York blew a big opportunity when defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence intercepted a pass from quarterback Justin Herbert and returned it 37 yards to the Los Angeles 3-yard line. However, the Giants could not punch the ball in and settled for a 22-yard field goal by place kicker Jude McAtamney. Giants 10 – Chargers 0.

The Chargers finally got on the board on their fourth possession, gaining 40 yards in 10 plays to set up a 43-yard field goal. The Giants responded with a 15-play drive that lasted over six minutes, but only gained 47 yards. It was also early on this possession where Nabers suffered his knee injury on an incomplete deep shot by Dart after the Chargers jumped offsides. The Giants did extend their lead to 13-3 with another McAtamney field goal, this one from 31 yards out.

With 1:46 left to go before halftime, the Chargers drove 75 yards in eight plays, converting on 3rd-and-5 and 4th-and-2. On the later play, outside linebacker Abdul Carter jumped offsides. On the next snap, Herbert threw a 36-yard touchdown pass, with wide receiver Quentin Johnston beating both cornerback Deonte Banks and safety Dane Belton.

At the break, the Giants led 13-10.

The Giants received the ball to start the third quarter, picked up a couple of first downs, saw Dart leave the game briefly to be checked for a concussion, and punted after a couple of penalties. The Chargers and Giants then exchanged punts. On Los Angeles’ second drive of the second half, Herbert was picked off by cornerback Andru Phillips at the New York 41-yard line. Phillips returned the interception 56 yards to the Los Angeles 3-yard line. Two plays later, Dart threw a shovel pass to tight end Theo Johnson for a touchdown. Skattebo followed this up with a successful 2-point conversion rush, and the Giants now led 21-10.

However, this lead was short-lived. On the third play of the ensuing drive, rookie running back Omarion Hampton broke off a 56-yard run for the touchdown. The Chargers also converted on their 2-point conversion attempt, cutting the score to 21-18 late in the third quarter.

The teams exchanged punts early in the fourth quarter. Starting their next possession from the Los Angeles 48-yard line, the Giants reached the 1-yard, but could not score on three straight plays, turning the ball over on downs. With 5:36 left in the game, the Chargers picked up two first downs and approached midfield, but a 16-yard sack by outside linebacker Brian Burns on 3rd-and-9 halted Los Angeles.

With 2:52 left in the game, the Giants picked up a first down with a 10-yard completion to tight end Theo Johnson on 3rd-and-5. The Chargers got the ball back with 18 seconds left on their own 16-yard line. The game ended after a 22-yard pass with time running out.

Dart finished the game 13-of-20 for 111 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. He also rushed the ball 10 times for 54 yards and another touchdown. Dart was sacked five times, and Russell Wilson once. Dart’s leading receiver was Slayton with just three catches for 44 yards. Skattebo rushed the ball 25 times for 79 yards and Devin Singletary chipped in with 28 yards on seven carries.

The Giants had just two sacks, one by Burns and another by outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux. However, the Giants officially hit Herbert 12 times, including three by Burns, three by Thibodeaux, and five by Carter. Phillips also had four of the Giants’ six pass break-ups.

GAME VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS are available on YouTube.

ROSTER MOVES, PRACTICE SQUAD ELEVATIONS, INACTIVES, AND INJURY REPORT…
On Saturday, the Giants placed Graham Gano (groin) on Injured Reserve. The team also signed DT Elijah Garcia and OLB Tomon Fox to the 53-man roster from the Practice Squad.

In addition, the Giants activated (standard elevation) ILB Neville Hewitt and PK Jude McAtamney from the Practice Squad.

Inactive for the game were RB Tyrone Tracy (shoulder), DT Rakeem Nuñez-Roches (foot), DL/OLB Chauncey Golston (ankle), QB Jameis Winston (3rd QB), OG Evan Neal, TE Thomas Fidone, and S Beau Brade.

WR Malik Nabers suffered what is believed to be an ACL tear in his right knee in the second quarter. QB Jaxson Dart was briefly evaluated for a concussion in the third quarter and was also dealing with a hamstring injury. S Jevon Holland also briefly left the game with a neck injury but returned.

POST-GAME REACTION…
Transcripts and video clips of post-game media sessions with Head Coach Brian Daboll and the following players are available in The Corner Forum and at Giants.com:

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
Head Coach Brian Daboll will address the media on Monday.