Grades from the Giants’ 12-9 overtime win over the Chiefs on Sunday:
Offense
This was a slow slog, often ugly, a grind. Eli Manning (19-of-35, 205 yards) was hurt by numerous drops and his top threat, TE Evan Engram, had two drops, two penalties and only one reception on six targets. Orleans Darkwa (20-74, 1 TD) ran hard but also had two drops. Brilliant diving catch on the ground by Roger Lewis was the play of the game. Kudos to rookie RT Chad Wheeler in first NFL start nullifying (with help) Justin Houston.
Grade: C
Defense
This was more like it from Landon Collins, who was back to 2016 form and said he felt like he was back in college, chasing down jet sweeps. Credible job versus. Kareem Hunt (18 carries, 73 yards) and spirited effort against dangerous TE Travis Kelce, who needed 14 targets for his production (8 catches, 109 yards). Janoris Jenkins (one interception) came back strong and gave maximum effort. Lo and behold, Damon Harrison got his first career INT. Alex Smith (27-of-40, 230 yards, 2 INTs) was terrible.
Grade: A
Special teams
Rookie kicker Aldrick Rosas was set to be the reason the Giants lost with a missed extra point wide right, which is inexcusable. He hit field goals of 26 and 23 yards, including the game-winner in OT. Alert the authorities! The Giants ran a fake punt! Direct snap to Nat Berhe picked up the first down. Kalif Raymond recovered his own muffed punt late in the second quarter. Best moment in a while for Brad Wing: A 57-yard punt downed at the 5-yard line, as Tyreek Hill (9 yards on two punt returns) was held in check.
Grade: B
Coaching
Have to give credit to Ben McAdoo for playing fast and loose at the start of the game with some trickery. Not all of it worked but it set a tone. If McAdoo had lost the team, he found it for at least one day. Why, oh why, Steve Spagnuolo, did you put Olivier Vernon in coverage against TE Travis Kelce on key 32-yard reception late in game?
Grade: B-plus