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PLAY OF THE GAME:** The Giants needed a spark, and Jayron Hosley gave it to them. The second-year cornerback intercepted Matt Hasselbeck late in the first half, returning it 37 yards the other way. The Giants turned it into a field goal shortly after to cut into the deficit before halftime.
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TURNING POINT: Football is a game of inches, and Aaron Ross learned that on his would-be interception that ended up as a Colts' touchdown. Backpedaling at the goal line, Ross had an interception in his hands, but bobbled it in the air backwards to a diving Reggie Wayne in the end zone. The touchdown led to 17 unanswered points by the Colts.
WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT THE OFFENSE: The Giants continued to struggle at punching the ball into the end zone. In four trips to the red zone in the first half – approximately the length the starters went – the Giants were unable to break the goal line. However, the running game did pick up and show flashes. David Wilson broke a 21-yard run, and Andre Brown averaged 4.5 yards per rush. The Giants went for it twice on fourth-and-1. They were unsuccessful the first time, but Andre Brown converted the second on a sweep. In his preseason debut, Hakeem Nicks had two catches for 40 yards.
WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT THE DEFENSE: The Giants imposed their will early in the game, but then fell behind on two passing touchdowns, one of which was somewhat fluky. On the Colts' first offensive series, the Giants forced a three-and-out after two tackles in the backfield and a pass breakup in between. However, on the second series, the Giants were unable to get off the field on third-and-long and gave up 17 straight points. The run defense showed improvement. At one point, Indianapolis running backs had just eight yards on seven rushes to start the game while the starters were still in.
WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT SPECIAL TEAMS: After seeing a lot of touchbacks this week and last, Michael Cox was finally able to take a kickoff out of the end zone. On his first return, the rookie running back brought it out 36 yards, leading to a Giants field goal on the ensuing drive. Hosley notched a punt return for 11 yards. Meanwhile, kicker Josh Brown made all four of his attempts with a long of 47 yards.
ROOKIE WATCH: QB Ryan Nassib 2 of 6, 48 yards; DT Johnathan Hankins 1 solo tackle; LB Etienne Sabino 1 solo tackle; RB Michael Cox 2 receptions, 48 yards.
