Offense
Oh so this is what it’s supposed to look like. Career-best game from Rashad Jennings (34 carries, 176 yards, touchdown), who punished the Houston defense. Coolly efficient work from Eli Manning (21-of-28, 234 yards, 2 TDs) and no — repeat — no interceptions. Some zip from Victor Cruz (5 rec., 107 yards, touchdown) and dominant —not a misprint — blocking by the line.
Grade: A
Defense
Yup, these guys are allowed to swipe the ball from the other team. Interceptions from P rince Amukamara, Antrel Rolle and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and loads of pressure on Ryan Fitzpatrick. Job got easier with RB Arian Foster in street clothes and should have been more than two sacks. Safety Stevie Brown struggling in coverage but Jason Pierre-Paul and Jameel McClain kept things under control on the inside.
Grade: A
Special teams
Did Zak DeOssie really dribble a long snap back to holder Steve Weatherford to botch what would have been a 30-yard FG attempt? Nice punt return by Preston Parker nullified by holding penalty on Damontre Moore, who came back to block a Shane Lechler punt. Giants got burnt on fake punt by Lechler. Brown went 3-for-3 on field goals and Weatherford carries on despite bad ankle. But way too many mishaps.
Grade: D
Coaching
Tom Coughlin allowed some music to be played during practice late in the week, something he never would have permitted years ago. It helped his team relax and so score one for Coughlin’s handle on the mood of his guys. Ben McAdoo’s offense looks a whole lot better when the line is blocking for the run and the pass.
Grade: B