Lions Gift-Wrap a Win for Giants in Overtime

PONTIAC, Mich. â€”  If this is supposed to be the easy part of the New York Giants’ schedule, what happens when it gets tough?

The Giants, who needed 2nd-half comebacks to beat Detroit and Atlanta the past 2 weeks, had to go overtime Sunday to beat the Lions again, 13-10, on a 33-yard field goal by Paul McFadden.

“I’m pleased with our position, but I’m somewhat frustrated with the way we’ve been struggling,� Giant Coach Bill Parcells said. “I just hope that now that we’re pretty much into division rivalries, it will generate more solid performances.�

The Giants (6-3) have won 4 of 5 to lead Washington and Phoenix by 1 game in the NFC East.

Detroit (2-7) put up a struggle, but gave the game away in overtime when 4th-string quarterback John Witkowski and Garry James mishandled a handoff on the first play of the extra period. Lawrence Taylor recovered for the Giants on the Lions 22 and 3 plays later McFadden connected.

“I didn’t even get the handoff,� James said. “We’ll just have to wait and see (on film) what happened. It’s a tough situation. If you have to fumble, you want to do it on the other side of the 50, not inside the 20.�

Witkowski, who also was unsure as to how the ball got away, was in the game because Rusty Hilger was knocked out by a slight concussion in the final quarter.

“I had no problem with the snaps,� Witkowski said. “I was very comfortable. I thought I put the ball in a good position (for the handoff) but it got knocked out somehow.

“The way it ended didn’t go hand in hand with the way I had it in my mind.�

The Lions tied the score, 10-10, on Eddie Murray’s 37-yard field goal with 5:19 left in regulation.

McFadden’s 57-yard field goal attempt on the final play of the 4th quarter fell far short.

Hilger’s 15-yard touchdown pass to Jeff Chadwick gave Detroit a 7-0 lead on the 1st play of the 2nd quarter.

McFadden kicked a 42-yard field goal late in the second quarter and Joe Morris’ 1-yard touchdown run gave the Giants a 10-7 lead with 4:47 left in the 3rd quarter.