As you know, the Giants sit tied atop arguably the toughest division in the NFL at 3-1. That's all well and good considering the injuries NYG has sustained. But how does it all break down? Who's responsible for this early success?
QB: Eli Manning
The guy has proven he has the guts to throw an entire team on his shoulders. And with a 105.6 passer rating, he's got the stats to prove it.
Grade: A
RBs: Ahmad Bradshaw/Brandon Jacobs
Bradshaw and Jacobs are an interesting duo this season. While they have certainly not been overwhelming any D-lines (They rank 24th in the league averaging 87.5 rushing yards per game), they have made up for it with valuable TDs when the Giants need them and in the air, as we all remember Jacobs' nifty catch to draw first blood against the Eagles. But they still need to dig it out on the ground more to keep defenses honest. Arguably the most important thing to note...They BOTH seem happy.
Grade: B+
Jake Ballard had big shoes to fill when Kevin Boss exited, but with that A1 steak sauce catch in the back of the end-zone, he's showing, just like Boss, he can be another weapon opposing defenses need to be aware of.
Grade: B+
The Giants Defense is making a name for itself again this year. From that crucial goal line stand to break the will of the Philadelphia Eagles to a key interception taking the ball away from Arizona top-caliber WR Larry Fitzgerald, the G-Men are making it count on D. But they desperately need to stop the run. Getting Justin Tuck back in the mix will certainly help matters, however things still sound pessimistic on that front.
Grade: A-
That's right, the Giants Special Teams has been nothing but pedestrian so far this season. When your best Special Teams play is a Center squeezing the ball and a hard-count by your kick holder, you know you need to step things up.
Grade: C
Coughlin has proven to the naysayers that he still has the support of the guys in the locker room. How else can you explain motivating a team decimated by injuries to still play ALL 60 minutes of every ballgame (Week 1 excluded), orchestrating dominance against Philly and illustrating a "Super" comeback in Arizona. I also love that Coughlin was STILL screaming at officials to get that timeout back practically a quarter and a half after the play...That's dedication.
Grade: A
Agree with some of the grades, but not the RBs. While I agree that it is important that both Bradshaw and Jacobs are happy...they have not yet lived up to my expectations for this year. They are a tandem that should be able to run on anyone. A lot of their troubles come from a weak OLine, so hopefully as the OLine comes together these guys will run the ball better.
ReplyDeleteRB Grade: B-
OLine: D