WATCH: Bryan Bresee’s blocked field goal against the New York Giants keeps the Saints’ alive in hunt for playoffs

Bryan Bresee wasn’t about to let the Saints’ season slip away—not on his watch. The New Orleans defensive tackle delivered one of the most jaw-dropping plays of the 2024 season, leaping over the Giants’ offensive line to block a potential game-tying field goal in the final seconds.

With just 11 seconds left, the Saints clung to a precarious 14-11 lead at MetLife Stadium. Giants kicker Graham Gano lined up for a 35-yarder, a range where he’s been automatic for much of his career (90.2% accuracy from 30-39 yards). But Bresee had other plans.

The 6’5”, 300-pound lineman used every bit of his frame to soar over the line and swat Gano’s kick with his right hand. The Saints’ sideline erupted as the ball hit the turf, securing a victory that keeps their slim playoff hopes alive.

Field-Level View of the Saints’ Bryan Bresee blocked FG

Field-Level View of the Bryan Bresee blocked FG 👀

📺: Next Sunday vs Commanders (Noon CT – FOX) pic.twitter.com/vpOPlbNUHO

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) December 8, 2024

That is the perfect reminder that NFL games are four quarters and you should never give up on the season when there’s still a chance to turn things around. New Orleans has managed to claw back from a 2-7 start, winning three-of-four to improve to 5-8 on the season.

Trust me, I’m not saying the Saints are poised to do much of anything the rest of the year, but technically, their postseason chances are still hanging on by a thread.

They’re alive—and that’s more than most Saints fans expected a month ago. Still, the road ahead is brutal. New Orleans likely needs to sweep its final four games to have a shot at the playoffs, a task that becomes even harder with quarterback Derek Carr banged up.

Carr left Sunday’s game after a diving attempt to gain extra yardage and judging by his face after the play, it looks like he could be missing some time moving forward.

Derek Carr hits the ground HARD at MetLife

https://twitter.com/yfntrace/status/1865863875763097710

While Saints fans celebrated the win, Giants fans had a different reason to be content. The loss dropped New York to 2-11, keeping them tied with the Raiders for the top draft position heading into Week 15.

Sure, losing in the final seconds stings—especially when you’re the Giants and in the midst of yet another embarrassing season. I think it’s safe to assume at this point, when you’re in the running for the No. 1 pick, the losses are just a little easier to swallow.

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