Giants Week 10 Grades/Analysis
The New York Giants once again has given fans a reason to believe and have hope for this year’s squad. Despite another close game, the Giants were able to tame the Cincinnati Bengals with a 21-20 victory. While it wasn’t a pretty game by any means (which none of them have been) what counts is their record up till now which is 6-3. Not only is it the 4th straight win for big blue, but it moves them two games behind of the Cowboys in the division. Let’s recap and see how well they fared.
Giants Running: B-
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Well this is a welcoming sight, a positive grade for the Giants running backs. A major improvement over what we have seen over the last couple of weeks. Rashad Jennings seemed to have gotten the message that Paul Perkins would be making a case for the starting nod. Even though Jennings didn’t have a 100-yd performance, his 15 attempts for 87 yards proved to be enough for the win. Paul Perkins wasn’t much help as he rushed 9 times for 31 yards. The running attack is still lacking, but rushing for a season high helped in the win. Hope this effort continues.
Giants Passing: B
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Eli has not had much help this season. The offensive line has struggled and with the exception of Odell Beckham Jr. the pass catchers haven’t been reliable either. That problem persisted on Monday night where the Bengals D were all over Manning’s face. What made it just as bad was that the Giants’ receivers dropped 4 catchable balls. Manning was also being overtly aggressive with two costly interceptions. But at the end of the day, Eli gonna be Eli. He had another solid outing with 240 passing yards as he converted 28 of his 44 pass attempts with 3 touchdowns. It wasn’t his top showing, but the receiving core didn't help Eli's cause.
Giants D-Line: A
Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
It needs to be mentioned if it hasn’t already, the Giants’ defensive line has fully lived up to the hype. Now the numbers in the sack column is an issue (dead last in the NFL with 11) in the words of Ben McAdoo "stats are for losers." The foursome's impact goes beyond the sheet of paper. Both Oliver Vernon and Jason Pierre-Paul are two of the most well-rounded defensive ends in the NFL. Vernon’s 10 tackles including his 4th quarter sack has been a menace. JPP has been a menace himself collecting 5 tackles, two QB rushes and a pass defended. It’s hard to argue that this front 4 has been the heart and soul of this team. They’re the key reason why this team is 6-3.
Giants Defensive Backs: A-
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Landon Collins continues to play at an All-Pro level as he collected his 4th interception in 3 games along with his 5 solo tackles. He is proving to be the Giants’ “safety” net no pun intended. Janoris Jenkins continued his great play allowing A.J. Green catching just 4 passes for 23 yards (and a touchdown). While another Eli in Eli Apple rebounded giving up 45 yards on three catches.
At 6-3, the Giants’ are sitting comfortably in the playoff picture. With a win on Monday Night, the next two games are against the 2-7 Chicago Bears and the winless Cleveland Browns. From here on out, there should be no reason why the Giants’ can’t go 8-3 with the way they’re playing. The division even though may seem out of reach with how Dallas looks, Big Blue is slowly creeping into the Cowboys' rear view mirror.
