Giants Week 9 Grades/Analysis
In a divisional showdown pinning the New York Giants against the Philadelphia Eagles, it’s a rivalry game with both teams particularly not having a liking towards one another. The New York Giants were looking to make strides in the division with a win here inching closer to a possible Wild Card spot. With a 28-23 win that came down to the last couple of minutes, Giants found a way to hang on and defeat Philly. Let’s recap.
Giants Running D+
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The running game is obviously a major concern for the Giants, well it is evident since they’re dead last in the league. Rashad Jennings may not be the answer after all finishing with another awful performance rushing for 11 attempts for 26 yards. Perkins is somebody that could be the difference and be the better option down the road. He did slightly better than Jennings but not by much rushing for 32 yards on 11 attempts. If anything the Giants can learn from, is to deviate from the running game all together and focus on the pass.
Giants Passing: B+
William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports
After falling behind early in 4 straight games, the Giants finally got off to a good start. Eli Manning helped connecting on two touchdown passes in the first two Giants’ possessions that grabbed them an early 14-0 lead. With the injury to Justin Pugh and Victor Cruz, there would be concern that the offense would falter, but credit to the O-Line this week by not allowing any sacks and giving Eli time to throw and extend the plays when he needed to. The dynamic duo of Beckham Jr. and Shepard combining for 96 yards on 6 catches with 3 TDs delivered yet again and no headaches to report on as Odell managed to behave himself despite not having his better performances.
Giants Run Defense: B
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Darren Sproles we knew was going to be a problem for the Giants D to try and contain. He is a major weapon in the backfield and can be utilized in all aspects of the field. Rushing for 13 attempts for 57 yards, the Giants D for the most part contained the run nicely. Despit him having a couple of holes he found early, the Giants made the necessary adjustments in stopping Sproles from ever having a big game.
Giants Pass Defense: A-
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Against the Carson Wentz led Philadelphia Eagles team, the Giants capitalized on two 4th down stops leaving 6 possible Eagles’ points on the board. They didn’t allow a single passing touchdown despite allowing Wentz to throw for 364 YDS. Landon Collins is slowly but surely becoming one of the premier playmaking box safeties in the league. The 2nd year man from Alabama is making a case for the Pro-Bowl and rightfuly so as he was all over the field. He garnered 12 tackles, adding an interception and a sack. He’s clearly been one of the most consistent defensive players the Giants have right now and would argue should be the defensive MVP for the team. Special recognition to the special teams as well for blocking a FG attempt in the first half.
Overall Grade: B
William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports
Seems like it always comes to a close game when it comes to the Giants no matter who they play. But at 5-3, the Giants take sole possession of 2nd place in the NFC East. The win against the Eagles also broke a four-game losing streak against Philly who had not lost to the Giants at Metlife since the final week of the 2012 season. The Giants looking ahead will play their second of three straight home games when they host the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football. Time to celebrate another Giants victory.
