Kicker’s Mentality Wins Out

As Cary Blanchard lined up for a field goal that would decide whether the New York Giants would win or lose, he figured the pressure was off.

The Buffalo Bills’ Steve Christie had already missed two field-goal attempts, so Blanchard decided he couldn’t look too bad.

“When the other kicker misses, it gives you more confidence,” Blanchard said. “If you miss, it’s a wash.”

Blanchard didn’t miss the final kick or three others Sunday, and his 48-yarder with 40 seconds left gave the Giants a 19-17 victory.

The Giants (7-6) remained one game behind the NFC East-leading Washington Redskins, while the Bills (8-5) dropped three games behind the AFC-leading Indianapolis Colts and made a their playoff bid more difficult.

“I guess we thought they were going to give us the game,” said Bill running back Antowain Smith, who gained 19 yards in six carries as Buffalo’s running game managed only 76 yards.

The Giant defense stopped the Bills cold on third and one and fourth and one with less than three minutes left in the game and New York took over at its 35.

Kerry Collins, making his third consecutive start at quarterback after replacing Kent Graham, drove the Giants 33 yards in nine plays, including a 15-yard pass to Tiki Barber on third and 15 to set up Blanchard’s winning field goal.

“Our defense held their ground and guys made plays,” Collins said. “I said: ‘Just give me time.’ ”

Blanchard, signed after Brad Daluiso suffered a season-ending knee injury Oct. 18, kicked three other field goals, two of 21 yards and one of 42 yards, making him 13 for 14 this season.

Collins accounted for the Giants’ touchdown with a 14-yard pass play to Amani Toomer.

Collins, who threw for 341 yards and three touchdowns in a victory over the New York Jets last week, completed 23 of 44 passes for 240 yards. Rookie running back Joe Montgomery had 77 yards in 20 carries.

“We just kept our confidence from last week,” Collins said.

Buffalo got a break early in the fourth quarter when Collins had a pass batted by Sean Price and intercepted at the line of scrimmage by Marcellus Wiley.

On the return, Wiley looked up at the stadium JumboTron as he ran to see who was behind him. Giant receiver Ike Hilliard caught Wiley from behind at the New York 22 after a 52-yard return. Doug Flutie had a 13-yard yard completion to tight end Bobby Collins on third down, and three plays later Jonathan Linton scored on a two-yard run with nine minutes remaining.