Eli Rallies Giants Over Bears

Struggling QB overcomes three turnovers to improve playoff chances

By Mike Buss, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 2, 2007 8:43 PM CST

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Eli Rallies Giants Over Bears — New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, right, and head coach Tom Coughlin celebrate as officials confirm teammate Amani Toomer's fourth-quarter touchdown catch during a football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007 in Chicago. The Giants defeated the Bears, 21-16. (AP Photo/M. Spencer... (Associated Press)

Eli Manning pulled his team out of a hole he helped dig, leading the Giants on two long fourth-quarter drives to dig out of a 9-point deficit, then watching his defense close out a 21-16 victory over Chicago. Manning had three turnovers despite a more conservative offense that saw more rushing attempts and short passes, reports the Times. Derrick Ward had 154 yards rushing for Big Blue.

The Giants (8-4) also succeeded in overcoming their biggest challenge coming in: stopping all-world kick returner Devin Hester. Meanwhile, Chicago's Rex Grossman, often maligned like Manning, moved the ball effectively throughout but the Bears couldn't close the deal. The loss dropped them to 5-7, clouding their playoff chances, even playing in the mediocre NFC. (More NFL stories.)

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