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Jameis Winston breaks tackle, takes TD reception to the house on Giants trick play

Grant Grubbs Profile Pictureby: Grant Grubbs17 hours agogrant_grubbs_
Jameis Winston
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The New York Giants aren’t keeping any tricks up their sleeve in quarterback Jameis Winston‘s first start of the season. With a little over 12 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Giants ran a reverse flea-flicker with Winston leaking out toward the sideline for a contested catch.

Winston not only hauled in the pass, but broke Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes‘ tackle attempt to score a touchdown. Winston’s highlight play gave the New York Giants a 27-17 lead over the Lions.

Despite being in his 11th season in the NFL, the touchdown reception was the first of Winston’s career. It wasn’t the Giants’ first flea-flicker touchdown of the game.

On the Giants’ opening drive, they ran a flea-flicker that resulted in Winston connecting with wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson for a 39-yard touchdown pass. Winston signed a two-year, $8 million deal with the Giants this past offseason.

Winston began the 2025 campaign as the third-string quarterback for the Giants. Russell Wilson was the team’s starter and Jaxson Dart was QB2 on the roster.

However, after the Giants’ first three games, the team’s staff named Dart the new starter. Dart suffered a concussion in the Giants’ 27-20 loss to the Green Bay Packers last week. Thus, Winston started Sunday against the Lions.

With his electrifying pre-game speeches and infectious attitude, Jameis Winston is a fan-favorite in the NFL. Evidently, he has his teammates’ support as well.

“The beauty of Jameis, the beauty of our group on offense and defense and special teams is our guys prep,” Giants interim head coach Mike Kafka said earlier this week. “They put the work in. They’re preparing themselves to play. Whether they’re a practice squad guy or they’re a backup in a primary role, they’re preparing and they’re asking questions and they’re detailing out their work throughout the work week. 

“So, no surprise to me that Jameis is ready to go. I have full confidence in him, just like I did last week, and we’ll just keep on carrying on and Jameis will carry the torch for the group.”

Winston ultimately wasn’t able to lead the Giants to a victory. They fell 34-27 to the Lions, but Winston was excellent, throwing 366 yards and two touchdowns, compared to one interception. Of course, Winston logged his receiving TD as well.

The Giants have now lost their last five outings. The team is 2-10 overall and 0-7 on the road this season.