Grades from the Giants’ 24-14 loss in Pittsburgh on Sunday:
Offense
This is getting seriously concerning. What a lousy showing against a Steelers defense that is no longer the Steel Curtain. Eli Manning threw two dreadful interceptions. Yet another holding penalty on Ereck Flowers, this one in the end zone for a safety. Sad total of 234 yards – are you kidding me? Didn’t run it often (14 times) or well (56 yards). Red zone was the dead zone. Terrible stuff.
Grade: F
Defense
At least this side of the ball battled. Screen passes to Le’Veon Bell (six catches for 64 yards) were troublesome, and his rugged running (29-118) was tough to deal with. Janoris Jenkins beaten, barely, in end zone by a great grab by leaping Antonio Brown (6-54), who otherwise was held in check. Ladarius Green’s production (6-110, 1 TD) more evidence that problems with tight ends continue.
Grade: C-plus
Special teams
Brad Wing’s return to Pittsburgh was fine, but he failed to drop one punt inside the 20. Antonio Brown had a 23-yard punt return on a free kick. Dwayne Harris averaged 20 yards on his two kickoffs. Once again, no field goal attempts for Robbie Gould.
Grade: B-minus
Coaching
Ben McAdoo is known as an offensive coach, but he returned to his hometown area and his attack barely made the trip with him. Something has to be done about this, and it is on McAdoo to fix it. Steve Spagnuolo’s defense did not look fully ready for all the screen passes.
Grade: D