The New York Giants fell to the Minnesota Vikings, 28-10, at MetLife Stadium in Week 5. Handing out grades for Big Blue’s performance on Sunday.
In a key early-season contest, the New York Giants dropped a 28-10 decision to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday afternoon at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. Big Blue is now 2-3 on the season while the Vikings improved to 3-2.
This was an important game for the G-Men because a victory would have tied them for the NFC East lead. It would make people take notice and really take them seriously. Instead, with a contest in New England looming on Thursday night, the Giants are probably staring at a 2-4 record instead.
Here is Big Blue’s report card, handing out grades to each unit for their Week 5 performance against Minnesota.
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Offense
The Giants could muster just 211 total yards against one of the better defenses in the NFL. Big Blue garnered a scant 64 yards on the ground — it certainly didn’t help that Wayne Gallman (concussion) left the game after just two carries and that Saquon Barkley (ankle) missed his second straight contest.
Rookie quarterback Daniel Jones (21-of-38, 182 yards, one touchdown, one interception) struggled for the most part but this will serve as a fine learning lesson for him in his overall development. He was sacked four times against one of the premier defensive lines in the league.
Golden Tate (three receptions for 13 yards) returned from his four-game suspension but was not a factor. Rookie wide receiver Darius Slayton (4-62-1) was though. He’s getting better every week.
Grade: D
Defense
New York simply had no answer for Pro Bowl wide receiver Adam Thielen and running back Dalvin Cook. Thielen burned the Giants porous secondary for seven catches for 130 yards and two touchdowns while Cook rambled for a game-high 132 yards while adding six receptions for 86 yards.
They were both unstoppable, as they are for many opponents. Safety Antoine Bethea had a busy afternoon with a game-high 11 tackles. All in all, Minnesota gained 490 yards from scrimmage. Unacceptable.
The G-Men recorded three sacks but Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (22-of-27, 306 yards, two scores) still looked very comfortable in the pocket as he sliced and diced Big Blue up. The Giants forced just one turnover (a Cook fumble) and will have to create more turnovers moving forward due to their lack of an effective pass rush — especially with Tom Brady up next. Yikes.
Grade: D-
Special Teams
Pro Bowl kicker Aldrick Rosas connected on his lone field goal attempt from 32 yards away. Corey Ballentine erupted for a 52-yard kickoff return while Tate chipped in with a 17-yard punt return. Punter Riley Dixon averaged 44.7 yards on three boots, including one inside the 20-yard line.
Grade: C