New York Giants vs. Los Angeles Rams: Full Report Card Grades for New York

In what has become an annual tradition, traveling across the pond to England usually means a gritty, ugly and scrappy contest. Both the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams were the second pair of teams to experience that firsthand in 2016.

Was it easy to adjust to the time changes? Maybe for some, but not all. Was the field in pristine condition? For a rugby pitch, sure, but not for a football field. But there are no excuses as both teams had to deal with the adversity.

Fortunately for Big Blue, however, they made more out of their trip to Europe as they were able to escape Twickenham Stadium with a 17-10 victory.

The season-long theme of a struggling offense and timely defense continued for the Giants on Sunday morning. While Eli Manning did his best to lead the offensive attack, a non-existent running game and a sub-par contest from the receiving corps resulted in a less-than-explosive outing.

The defense, however, did their best to stand out. While they struggled on third downs, each level did its best to impact the game. For the first time this season, the stat column was full of positives as the unit collected three sacks and four interceptions against the Case Keenum-led offense.

Sure, the Giants have yet to put together a dominant game on the offensive end of things. But in the same breath, their heart, tenacious play and valiant effort have led to a 4-3 record as Week 7 comes to a close.

As the midway point of the season nears, let’s break down the performances of each position during their fourth victory of 2016.

Quarterback

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With Eli Manning having his best game of the year in Week 6, many were hoping he could capitalize on his performance and make it a string of dominant outings.

While he didn’t have a bad game, per se, Manning didn’t have a great game. He was far from their biggest problem, but the offense faltered behind Manning’s woes.

Ben McAdoo called plays in the air early and often as Manning converted 24 of his 37 passing attempts, but they were good for just 196 yards. Although the veteran didn’t turn the ball over, he also failed to reach the end zone through the air.

It’s clear Manning doesn’t trust his blocking, as he oftentimes throws checkdown passes to avoid getting hit. If the Giants want to succeed, they need to give their leader more time; but until then, they're going to be an on-again, off-again offense. 

Grade: B-

Running Backs

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In the last slide, it was mentioned that Eli Manning was far from the biggest problem behind the Giants' offensive struggles.

That distinction belongs to the running backs.

Although starter Rashad Jennings is now healthy, Ben McAdoo continues to use a committee of running backs. That decision failed under Tom Coughlin last season, and it hasn’t been any better in 2016.

Jennings led the way, pacing the team with 13 carries for 25 yards. It was far from a strong outing, but his ferociousness on the goal line led to the Giants' only offensive touchdown of the day.

Bobby Rainey continues to be used as Shane Vereen’s replacement, but he had his lowest production since receiving consistent playing time. The fifth-year running back had just one carry and caught just one pass, a far cry from some of his recent performances.

While rookie Paul Perkins was given just four carries (12 yards), his 10-yard run was the best of any Giants running back against the Rams. The UCLA product continues to look good in small spurts of action and McAdoo may be forced to give him more playing time in the coming weeks.

It’s hard to be a threat through the air if you can’t run it on the ground. Until the backs and the offensive line can work as a cohesive unit, defenses will be able to capitalize on obvious play calling.

Grade: D+

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

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With the Rams' top cornerback Trumaine Johnson injured for the game in London, many believed the Giants' aerial attack would be too much for them to overcome. 

While Odell Beckham Jr., Victor Cruz and Sterling Shepard had five catches apiece, they did little to dominate the banged-up secondary of Los Angeles. Playing on the outside, both Cruz (55 yards) and Beckham (49 yards) had big plays on third downs but didn’t do enough to keep the game one-sided.

The continued dry spell from Shepard is a confusing one. Over the first three weeks of the season, the second-round pick looked like the best rookie wide receiver. But Ben McAdoo hasn’t put Shepard into situations where he can change the game, and that’s something that can put the Giants over the top.

The tight ends, once again, were a source of little production. Larry Donnell still looks uncomfortable on the football field, and his turnover on the second play of the game gave the Rams easy points. At the same time, Will Tye had just two catches for 14 yards.

Rookie Jerrell Adams, however, impressed in his short amount of time in the game. Sure, he had just one catch for five yards, but his size, blocking skills and knack for fighting for yards could make him a viable option as he gets more comfortable with the offense.

By no means did the receivers and tight ends have a bad game. It’s just that when there are so many playmakers at one position, you expect more.

Grade: B-

Offensive Line

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In a continued theme from last week, the Giants offensive line had two different games. While they’ve been keeping Eli Manning clean, they’ve also done little to help the team’s rushing attack (38 total yards).

Weston Richburg, Justin Pugh and John Jerry continue to do well as the middle-men of the offensive line. Not only do they prevent pressure from coming through the interior, but Ben McAdoo’s insistence on running between the tackles means he's most comfortable with his center and two guards.

While Ereck Flowers almost allowed a safety to premier edge-rusher Robert Quinn, both he and Bobby Hart had their best work take place on two of the best running plays of the game. Hart contained the edge to allow Paul Perkins to pick up a 10-yard run, while Flowers bulldozed the opposition to get Rashad Jennings in the end zone.

Consistency is key, and right now, the Giants don’t have that. But this unit has grown since the games against the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers. If they can continue their upward trend, the offense will improve.

Grade: C+

Defensive Line

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There have been times when the newly revamped defensive line was close to putting it all together.

It's safe to say that they finally did so against the Rams.

Jason Pierre-Paul, Johnathan Hankins, Damon Harrison and Olivier Vernon had their way against the offensive line of Los Angeles. Both Hankins and Harrison were—what else—stout against Todd Gurley (15 rushes, 57 yards). In addition, Harrison, who won’t be confused with a speedy pass-rusher, recorded his first sack of 2016.

And while the defensive tackles had a strong morning, it was Pierre-Paul and Vernon who were game-changers. Pierre-Paul may have recorded just one tackle, but his half-sack and constant pressure, along with a holding call against him, made an impact.

Vernon, meanwhile, had his best game since donning blue. The former Miami Dolphin dominated Rob Havenstein and provided constant pressure on the edge. While his impact may not be noticed in the stat sheet, Vernon constantly passes the eye test.

One underrated reason why the defensive line had such a great game was due to Steve Spagnuolo’s game plan. Instead of overusing his top four players, Kerry Wynn, Owa Odighizuwa, Romeo Okwara and Jay Bromley all spent a significant amount of time on the field. The backups showed why they belonged out there, with Wynn and Bromley recording sacks.

No one can argue that the Giants have the potential to be one of the best defensive lines in football. If the reserves can make a positive impact, it will further that sentiment.

Grade: A

Linebackers

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Despite running a 4-3 defense, the Giants continue to use four different linebackers in different situations.

Unlike the committee of running backs, however, this method has paid off.

Both Keenan Robinson (eight tackles) and Kelvin Sheppard (one tackle) have taken turns in the middle and their opposite styles have brought positive results. Robinson, known more for his athleticism, continues to do well in coverage while also making his presence felt at the line of scrimmage. Sheppard, who typically enters the game on run downs, used his smarts to his advantage on Sunday. 

On the outside, both Jonathan Casillas and Devon Kennard continue to make plays in the open field. While Casillas collected just three tackles—a season low—his leadership skills and knowledge of the defense was apparent. Kennard continues to come out of his shell as he had a strong showing for the third consecutive week, performing well in the flats. The former USC Trojan also flashed his versatility by lining up at defensive end in some pass-rushing situations.

As the weeks go on, the Giants' linebackers are transitioning from a cast of misfits to an underrated bunch. While Robinson, Sheppard, Casillas and Kennard aren’t top-notch players, they’ve been doing their jobs. And that’s all the team can ask for.

Grade: B+

Defensive Backs

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Coming into the season, many believed the Giants' revamped secondary had the potential to be strong.

If Sunday’s win confirmed anything, it’s that they have the ability to change the course of a game at the drop of a hat.

Landon Collins continues to be the best overall player on the Giants defense. The second-year safety looks completely comfortable at the NFL level, and he’s standing out in a major way. Yes, his two interceptions (one of which he returned for a touchdown) were huge positives, but it’s his all-around play that makes him so good, as his eight tackles—which came both at the line of scrimmage and down the field—paced the team.

But Collins wasn't the only one with multiple interceptions. Veteran Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie hauled in two picks himself, with the second securing the victory. Outside of a 48-yard strike to Brian Quick, Janoris Jenkins had another high-quality performance, this time against his former employer.

Despite looking a bit rusty, it was a positive sign that Eli Apple played the entirety of the game at full strength. Safety Andrew Adams showed off some physicality on Sunday, and although Nat Berhe and Darian Thompson will be returning soon, the undrafted free agent has proved that he can contribute.

Remember how I said many believed this unit had the potential to be strong? If Sunday was any indication, it looks like they’ll live up to said potential.

Grade: A-

Special Teams

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Once again, the Tom Quinn-led special teams unit performed admirably.

Newly signed Robbie Gould, who figures to be the Giants kicker for the rest of the season, connected on his first field goal with the Giants. He also converted two extra points.

Brad Wing was active as he had eight punts and pinned the Rams inside of the 20-yard line on more than one occasion. Outside of a 19-yard return from Tavon Austin, the punt coverage team kept the opposition in check.

If one thing is clear, it’s that Dwayne Harris is the toughest player on the roster. Not only does he play on all special teams units, but he also returned after receiving a near-serious injury to his back.

It wasn’t too long ago when the Giants had poor special teams results. While they may not give you a 100-yard kick return or a blocked punt, their dependable collective game is a positive.

Grade: B