The New York Giants nearly stole a win from the Detroit Lions in Week 12, but the league had the final word days later. As Week 13 approached, the NFL announced a series of financial penalties stemming from the November 29 overtime matchup.
According to the league’s Gameday Accountability report, three Detroit players — safety Brian Branch, linebacker Jack Campbell, and offensive lineman Dan Skipper — were hit with fines for their actions against New York.
In total, the penalties added up to $47,492.
A-to-Z Sports Detroit journalist Mike Payton broke down the trio of fines on X, noting:
• Branch was hit with $23,186 for a helmet-to-helmet hit, pushing his career fine total to $164,744.
• Campbell received a $17,389 fine for a hip-drop tackle.
• Skipper was charged $6,917 for taunting.
While the Giants didn’t walk away with the win, the league’s disciplinary decisions at least offered them a bit of validation regarding some of Detroit’s questionable plays.
Mike Kafka’s Future in Doubt After Giants’ Latest Collapse
Even though New York has already been ruled out of playoff contention, interim head coach Mike Kafka is still essentially interviewing for the full-time role for 2026. General manager Joe Schoen is also under evaluation.
But if the Giants continue to let games slip away the way they did against Detroit, neither Kafka nor Schoen is expected to remain in their current positions. And with the organization clearly entering a new era — including young quarterback Jaxson Dart — a reset may be exactly what they need.
Following the rocky Daboll–Schoen tenure, the franchise appears positioned to start fresh. Dart, along with rising talents such as Cam Skattebo and Malik Nabers, are set to return in 2026, making this offseason an ideal time to build a new leadership group around them.
Giants–Patriots on Monday Night Football: A Crucial Test for Kafka
New York’s Week 13 showdown with the New England Patriots provides a national-stage opportunity for Kafka, Dart, and the entire Giants staff.
Giants Wire reporter Serena Burks highlighted several keys to the matchup on November 30, including the coaching chess match between Kafka and Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, known for his defensive expertise.
She noted that Kafka’s willingness to go for it on fourth down and his preference for spread formations add a layer of unpredictability, something that could challenge a Patriots team riding a 10–2 record and potentially feeling overconfident.
With the Giants holding just two wins and no playoff hopes, Burks emphasized that New York can afford to be bold — high-risk, high-reward play-calling could be their best path to an upset.
Another critical factor she mentioned? Keeping Dart upright.
Burks stressed that protecting the rookie quarterback must be the top priority:
If Dart is constantly pressured, injured, or pulled due to hits, the offense cannot operate effectively. With the season focused more on development than wins, keeping Dart healthy and stable is essential.
As the 2025 season winds down, ensuring Dart’s growth and long-term durability will remain the organization’s primary aim.
