QUARTERBACKS Better stuff from Eli Manning (13 of 24, 165, 1 TD), who looked more in command but not as much as he can be. No interceptions a huge plus. Still needs to make more throws.
RUNNING BACKS Hard-working game for Tiki Barber (22-83), who scored one TD rushing and one receiving. Can a guy gain five yards all night and make an impact? Yes, if the guy is Brandon Jacobs (3-5, 1 TD).
WIDE RECEIVERS This Manning-to-Plaxico Burress (5-64) thing is catching on. Amani Toomer (2-31) finally got involved and showed nifty footwork on 25-yard catch to set up clinching FG.
TIGHT ENDS Trip-up at last moment prevented Jer emy Shockey (5-64) from scoring. He’s playing well but can do more.
OFFENSIVE LINE Pass protection was outstanding (no sacks), with few lapses or breakdowns. Run blocking (3.2 yards per carry) was not as good. Holding penalties on Luke Pet itgout and Kareem McKenzie.
DEFENSIVE LINE Get the name of that chiropractor used by DE Michael Strahan (one sack, five tackles), who shook off back spasms. Active night for DT Kendrick Clancy (four tackles, one sack) and career-high two sacks for DE Osi Umenyiora.
LINEBACKERS Run defense sure looks good now that Antonio Pierce (nine tackles) is pa trolling the middle. Carlos Emmons used every bit of his 6-5 frame to haul in first INT in five years. Deuce McAllister (15-47) was no factor in running game.
SECONDARY Hard to believe CB Will Allen did not lay a glove on Aaron Brooks pass seemingly aimed at him. No success for anyone vs. WRs Joe Horn (9-143, 1 TD) or Donte’ Stallworth (8-141).
SPECIAL TEAMS Nick Greisen causes a fumble that rookie Chase Blackburn recovers on opening kickoff. What a start. Not much in return game. One blemish was rookie S James Butler allowing bouncing ball to hit him in foot for a turnover.
KICKING GAME We know Jay Feely (FGs of 39 and 30 yards) loves to get involved in the fray, but sticking his neck in got him a sprained lower back. He’s too valuable for that. Jeff Feagles knocked two punts inside the 20.
COACHING Tom Coughlin was able to compartmen talize the emotion of the evening to get his team ready for action. The guy preaches self-control, yet he’s often bordering on lunatic on the sideline. It’s a long season, big guy.