Giants Week 3 Grades/Analysis
In a divisional matchup that pitted a 2-0 New York Giants against a winless Washington Redskins team ended up being a disappointing loss for the G-Men. The matchup that the whole world waited to see between Odell Beckham Jr. and Josh Norman didn’t amount to much other than Norman lifting and carrying Odell like he was Simba from the Lion King. But throughout the whole game, Giants have no one to blame but themselves for this win slipping away from them. Here’s why.
Giants Running: B
A much improved running game came from the combo of Shane Vereen and Orleans Darkwa was much more effective. A combined 21 attempts for 120 yards as both filled in very nicely for the injured Rashad Jennings. While each had a rushing touchdown in the game, it negates them an A because of Vereen’s fumble that came in the 2nd quarter which is the second game in a row after the team had 3 fumbles last week.
Giants Passing: C
Yes Eli did have another 300 yard passing performance throwing for 350. Yes he had a passing touchdown to Sterling Shepard who is making a case for Offensive Rookie of the Year chipping in with 5 catches for 73 yards and a TD. But what was the ultimate downfall of Eli’s performance was his 2 Interceptions. including one in the 4th quarter with 1:09 left to play in the quarter that ended the game. Odell had no issues with Norman thus getting 7 catches for 121 yards. Odell during the game also became the fastest player in NFL history to reach 200 receptions and the fastest to 3,000 yards receiving. Also the offensive line didn’t help either as Center Weston Richburg of all people for getting himself ejected with the new rules implemented for receiving multiple unsportsmanlike penalties in the same category.
Giants Run Defense: B
Nothing to stand out from the pack. Defense did its part allowing a combined 23 attempts for 88 yards and 0 rushing touchdowns. Pretty much it as far as that is concerned.
Giants Pass Defense: D
Before this game, the Giants allowed just 3 plays of of 20 yards or more entering week 3 which was the fewest in the NFL. A welcoming sight for this improved defense. However the bottom fell out this week by allowing 4 plays of 20 yards or more from 4 different receivers. With an already depleted secondary playing without rookie starting safety Darian Thompson, the Giants took yet another blow by losing rookie cornerback Eli Apple and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in the game which didn’t help the defense at all. Also the missed tackles in this game was so bad and crucial. The only positive from the D was Oliver Vernon & Jason Pierre-Paul getting their first sacks of the season including JPP’s that ultimately ended the 2nd quarter after Kirk Cousins inexplicably brain-farted the last play that could’ve resulted in a field-goal or touchdown.
Overall grade: C
What should’ve been the perfect opportunity for the G-men to go 3-0 and take control of the NFC East ended up being a major letdown. Now at 2-1, the Giants are now 2nd in the division after the Philadelphia Eagles won their game going 3-0 on the year. Now looking ahead to next Monday Night when the Giants play against the Minnesota Vikings with no Adrian Peterson and no Teddy Bridgewater, yet somehow they are 3-0. Areas must be improved and the Giants are somewhat lucky that they started the year 2-0, but if there is anything to take away from the Giants thus far can be described as a roller coaster of a season full of ups and downs.