New York Giants: Report Card vs. Redskins in Week 8
The New York Giants dipped to 1-7 on the season with a 20-13 loss to the Washington Redskins Sunday. Here we take a look at the report card for Big Blue.
The New York Giants took another one on the chin last Sunday in this incredibly disappointing season, dropping a 20-13 decision to the Washington Redskins at chilly MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.
The loss dropped Big Blue to 1-7 as the 2018 campaign cannot end soon enough. The G-Men have lost five-straight heading into their bye week.
Let’s take a look at their report card vs. Washington:
Offense
When you score your lone touchdown with 17 seconds remaining in the game, during garbage time, you know you’ve had a bad day.
The Giants have had too many of those the last two seasons. Far too many. Eli Manning was under siege behind New York’s porous offensive line — the two-time Super Bowl MVP was sacked seven times and was hit another 10 times. Manning (30-of-47, 316 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions) forced some throws and made some poor decisions. You have to wonder how long he’ll remain the Giants starter.
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The beleaguered offensive line could not open up any holes for Saquon Barkley (13 rushes for 38 yards). They converted just 2-of-14 third-down opportunities. The lone bright spot was Odell Beckham Jr. (eight receptions for 136 yards) but once again he failed to reach the end zone. Some many talented offensive weapons are being wasted.
Grade: D-
Defense
No sacks? Really? You can’t win without getting to the quarterback. The Giants played hard but when they needed to make a big stop in the fourth quarter, future Hall of Fame halfback Adrian “All Day” Peterson (26 carries for 149 yards) broke their back with a 64-yard gallop into the end zone with 3:06 remaining to seal Washington’s triumph.
B.J. Goodson (eight tackles, one for loss) and Landon Collins (five tackles, two for loss) performed well. Collins forced Peterson into a fumble that was returned for 43 yards by Olivier Vernon, who recorded three QB hits. The effort was there by New York’s defensive corps, but they crave a prolific edge rusher in the worst way.
Grade: C
Special Teams
Quadree Henderson has given Big Blue’s kickoff and punt return units as boost – he returned one kickoff 30 yards and added a 19-yard punt return. Nate Stupar made a bad mistake with a block-in-the-back penalty on a first quarter punt return.
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Aldrick Rosas connected on both of his field goal attempts, including a long from 37 yards away. Punter Riley Dixon had a strong effort, averaging 44 yards on five boots, including three inside the 20. Not a bad day overall from this contingent.
Grade: C+