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Grading the Giants after their 23-20 win over the Washington Football Team on Sunday. Offense Daniel Jones played a clean game (although he did get a fumble on his ledger when he lost the ball out of
Grading the Giants after their 23-20 win over the Washington Football Team on Sunday.
Offense
Daniel Jones played a clean game (although he did get a fumble on his ledger when he lost the ball out of bounds) and one of his best plays was holding onto the ball after a blind-side hit in the fourth quarter. Mostly, Jones (23 of 34, 212 yards, 1 TD) played it safe. A game with no turnovers from him is like manna from heaven. Wayne Gallman (14-68, 1 TD) was productive and how about 31-year old Alfred Morris (6-67)? He is a bull. TE Evan Engram (5-48) nearly caused another interception when he bobbled a pass thrown behind him. Engram came back with nifty fingertip grab for his first 2020 touchdown, a play he badly needed. Later, Engram had a brutal drop on what should have been a 20-yard gain. Give and take with him. Rookie Austin Mack (4-72) had a 50-yard reception as a strong fill-in for left-home Golden Tate. Season-high 165 rushing yards a key here.
Grade: B-
Defense
Big game for Jabrill Peppers, with an interception, fumble recovery and loads of solid coverage. Rough going (again) for CB Isaac Yiadom. He did get a piece of his first career sack, wrapping up Alex Smith’s legs while Dalvin Tomlinson cleaned up. Later, Yiadom overran and then missed Terry McLaurin on a 68-yard TD. … Leonard Williams was a beast against the run and got his fifth sack of 2020 as his rejuvenated season continues. Blake Martinez got his first interception with the Giants, as did Logan Ryan with the game-sealer. Limiting Washington to 37 rushing yards made for a one-dimensional attack and putt too much pressure on Smith, who threw for 325 yards but also three interceptions. McLaurin (7-115) and Cam Sims (3-110) both got deep and ran through the secondary.
Grade: B
Special Teams
Rookie Cam Brown got a hit on muffed punt and Madre Harper recovered on the Washington 16 to set up first Giants TD. Graham Gano has been great and got some luck when his first extra point deflected off the left upright and bounced inside the right upright for an eventful and successful kick. Gano nailed three more field goals (38, 48, 42) and now has hit 18 straight. Without him, the Giants are winless. … Riley Dixon’s 45-yard punt pinned Washington back on its 11-yard line late in the fourth quarter. Too much leakage allowed on a 15-yard punt return down the stretch.
Grade: B+
Coaching
Joe Judge wisely did not go for it on fourth down in the second quarter, realizing adding points in this game was essential. He exhorted the defense on the side late in the game and the late collapse brewing was halted, barely. Sign of a well-coached outfit: Offense hustled to the line to run a play before C.J. Board catch could be challenged. It looked as if Jason Garrett simplified things a bit for Jones. Rotating offensive linemen continues to be a novel approach. Patrick Graham on Saturday installed the play on which Ryan clinched the game. That is some seriously impressive improvisation.
Grade: B
