Giants 31, Cardinals 27: New York Outlasts Arizona

It wasn't pretty, or easy. It certainly was controversial. The New York Giants, though, are sneaking out of Arizona with a come-from-behind 31-27 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. The victory gives them a 3-1 record and a share of the NFC East lead with the Washington Redskins.

A 29-yard touchdown pass from Eli Manning to Hakeem Nicks with 2:46 remaining provided the game-winning points as the Giants battled back from a 27-17 deficit in the final 5:20.

The Giants were extremely fortunate on the play prior to the winning touchdown. Manning hit Victor Cruz for 19 yards. Cruz fell to the ground without contact, then appeared to simply drop the ball and get up. Arizona picked up the ball for what likely would have been a game-deciding fumble recovery. Cruz, however, was ruled to have given himself up, ending the play.

Manning and Nicks struck on the next play with a pass down the left sideline.

The Cardinals drove into Giants territory on the ensuing possession, but Corey Webster batted a fourth-down pass away from Larry Fitzgerald to seal the victory with 51 seconds remaining.

Nicks finished with 10 catches for 162 yards for the Giants. Manning was 27-of-40 for 321 yards and two touchdowns. Osi Umenyiora had two sacks and a forced fumble in his return from knee surgery.

There is much to talk about in regards to this game. I will be back with more here, as well as in the game stream at SB Nation New York.

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