You can’t blame Giants fans for fearing the worst. After watching their team blow numerous chances to put Philadelphia away, including an awful turnover late in the fourth quarter, the thought that David Akers would make a 57-yard field goal was not a stretch. But, while Akers’ kick had plenty of length, it was a little bit too far to the right, clanging off the upright and the Giants escaped from Philadelphia with a 16-13 win.

It was an ugly game with the Giants’ offense stalling in key spots and the defense continually bailing them out. After falling behind 7-0 on the first series of the game, the Giants kicked two field goals to make it 7-6 at the half. Brandon Jacobs fumbled the ball at the start of the third quarter and Philadelphia started a drive at the Giants 8-yard line, but had to settle for a field goal. After Justin Tuck forced a fumble, the Giants scored on a Plaxico Burress touchdown catch to make it 13-10 and the teams traded field goals to close out the scoring.

The win puts the Giants at 9-4, but Dallas has wrapped up the NFC East. The Giants haven’t officially clinched a playoff spot, but with a two-game lead in the wild card standings, it should happen next week.

Photo of David Akers and Corey Webster after Akers missed the game-tying field goal by AP/Rusty Kennedy