New York Giants vs. Cincinnati Bengals: Full Report Card Grades for New York

When Ernie Accorsi, Tom Coughlin, and Justin Tuck were still a part of the New York Giants organization, it was the running game and pass rush that was behind the franchise's success.

With the New York Giants honoring those former greats on Monday night, it was only right that they used the formula they’re most known for to secure the victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, as timely running plays and pressure on the quarterback were exactly what the team needed.

Although it wasn’t a shootout like many fans had hoped, Big Blue was able to topple the potent opposition by the score of 21-20.

Led by ironman Eli Manning, the Giants offense looked reinvented, reinvigorated, and revitalized on the first drive. Mixing in new play calls, they steamrolled over the Bengals defense and put points on the board from the get-go. Unfortunately, the attack stalled out, and Cincinnati was able to stay in the game because of it.

In what has become a theme, the defense propelled this team to its sixth win of the season. The defensive line provided enough pressure to keep Andy Dalton on his feet, the linebackers did a quality job in containing the middle of the field and the defensive backfield helped contain the dominant AJ Green.

The Giants, once again, have given their fans a reason to believe in this year’s version of the club. While these games haven’t been the prettiest of contests, what counts is what happens in the win column. At 6-3, not only did they secure their fourth straight win, but the Giants are also just two games behind the NFC East-leading Dallas Cowboys.

It’ll be a short week for Big Blue, as the Chicago Bears on will come to MetLife Stadium on Sunday. But before we get to Week 11, let’s see how each position graded out on Monday night.

Quarterback

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Despite propelling his game in Ben McAdoo's offense, Eli Manning hasn't had much help in 2016. Not only has the offensive line struggled to give him time in the pocket, but—outside of Odell Beckham Jr.—the team's pass catchers haven't been the most reliable, either.

This problem persisted on Monday night. Geno Atkins, Carlos Dunlap and Michael Johnson were in Manning's face throughout the contest and the Giants' receivers dropped four catchable balls.

With that being said, that doesn't mean Manning wasn't prone to mistakes. His passes weren't as sharp as they've been in the past, while his two costly interceptions could've really hurt the team.

But in the end, it was an overall solid game from the signal-caller. Manning finished the night with 240 passing yards as he converted 28 of his 44 pass attempts. In addition to his two picks, he also found the end zone on three separate occasions.

Again, Manning hasn't had much help from his teammates. But he also wasn't in top form. Once he is, it will do wonders for the offense.

Grade: B

Running Backs

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Over the last couple of weeks, rookie Paul Perkins looked like he was about to earn his way into a starting role in the backfield.

Rashad Jennings got the message. And with his play, he said, "not yet, young fella."

The veteran running back may have faced his typical troubles throughout the first half, but a 24-yard run in the third quarter put the offense in a position to take the lead, one that lasted until the end of the game. On top of that, Jennings also secured two huge first downs, with the final rush allowing the Giants to run down the clock. He finished his evening with 15 rushes for 87 yards.

Perkins, too, got some play, but he wasn't as effective as he's showed in recent outings because the 2016 fifth-round pick carried the ball nine times for just 31 yards. While he continued to show a knack for fending off tacklers, he did have a hard time running to the right holes.

The rushing attack as a whole is still lacking. But due to Jennings rushing for a season high, the Giants were able to walk away with a win. Let's hope his efforts can continue.

Grade: B-

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

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When the Giants passing attack excels, it's when Eli Manning uses all of his weapons in different situations. Against the Bengals, Manning did that once again as seven different players registered at least one catch. 

In what is a shock to no one, Odell Beckham Jr. led the way with a season-high 10 catches. While the Bengals defense limited his big-play ability, the star wideout was still able to accumulate 97 receiving yards and a touchdown, one that was scored after he ran a beautiful route against Adam Jones. 

Sterling Shepard also had a strong game as the No. 2 option, as he hauled in five catches for 42 yards and the eventual game-winning touchdown. Ben McAdoo hasn't utilized Shepard in the best of ways this season, but it looks as though Manning is beginning to gain some real chemistry with the second-round pick. Once they become in sync, the Giants will have one of the better one-two punches at the position. 

With veteran Victor Cruz out, it was time for Roger Lewis Jr. to shine. While he's shown flashes of big-play ability, dropped passes continue to plague the youngster. In his place came Tavarres King, who was able to force a pass interference call on third down. Both men finished the night with just one catch apiece. 

With Larry Donnell glued to the bench for the second straight week, it was the Will Tye and Jerell Adams show once again. While Tye had an impressive night (53 yards on five catches), it was Adams who stole the show as he caught his first career touchdown pass en route to a three-catch, 18-yard game. 

Beckham and Shepard have been the key components to the Giants aerial attack this season, and it looks as though Adams is turning into another viable option. If Tye continues his play while McAdoo looks for his third option at wide receiver, this passing game could become a real problem for opposing defenses. 

Grade: B+

Offensive Line

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What is there left to say about this offensive line?

All year long, the unit—as a whole—has struggled. Sure, Justin Pugh has been one of the best guards in football in 2016, while Weston Richburg continues to blossom as one of the league's top centers. 

The unit, however, can only go as far as its weakest link. And since there are no immediate upgrades available, what you see is what you get. 

Second-year interior linemen Brett Jones filled in for Pugh and excelled throughout the first series. Unfortunately, a strained calf put an early end to his evening, leaving with Giants with little depth up front. 

Marshall Newhouse—who recently returned from injury—and Adam Gettis—who was just promoted from the practice squad—split time in Jones' absence. The duo, combined with John Jerry, had a tough time against the great Geno Atkins and strong Domata Peko. 

On the outside, Bobby Hart had a sound game, while Ereck Flowers continued to put his inconsistencies on full display. 

Sure, there are some positives to come out of this win. The line opened up large enough holes to secure the victory, while both Flowers (second) and Richburg (fifth) were ranked in Pro Football Focuses top offensive grades. 

But they still gave up a ton of pressure and continued to struggle in the run game. 

Grade: C

Defensive Line

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It's been said so many times this year, but it needs to be mentioned once more—the Giants defensive line has fully lived up to the hype.

Sure, they may be lacking in the sack column (they're dead last in the NFL with 11). But as Ben McAdoo says, "stats are for losers." And while I won't be that mean to any readers, the foursome's impact goes far beyond a sheet of paper.

Both Olivier Vernon and Jason Pierre-Paul are two of the most well-rounded defensive ends in the NFL. Not only did Vernon collect 10 total tackles while disrupting the running game, but his fourth-quarter sack led to the Giants getting the ball back to wind down the clock. Pierre-Paul, too, was a menace, as he collected five tackles, two quarterback rushes and a pass defended.

For every bit as good as Vernon and Pierre-Paul are on the outside, Johnathan Hankins and Damon Harrison are equally as impressive in the interior. Harrison tied for the team lead with six solo tackles while Hankins added one to his resume. In addition, the duo was a huge reason why the Bengals gained just 63 yards between Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard.

The starters, however, weren't the only D-Linemen to make an impact. Tackle Robert Thomas collected his first career sack while Romeo Okwara and Owa Odighizuwa provided pressure on the outside.

At this point, it's difficult to argue that this unit is the heart and soul of this team. They're the key reason behind the Giants' 6-3 record.

Grade: A

Linebackers

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When the Bengals opened up their first drive with a 71-yard strike to tight end Tyler Eifert, fans were getting nightmare-ish flashbacks to the days when their linebackers were amongst one the worst units in football. 

But instead of caving to the trick play and allowing the huge gain to affect them, the group of Jonathan Casillas, Keenan Robinson, Devon Kennard, and Kelvin Sheppard regrouped and had another strong performance. 

Outside of that big play, Eifert was held to just two catches for 25 yards while being covered by both Casillas and Robinson. The Giants defensive captain had five total tackles and registered a half-sack, while Robinson had the quietest outing in his brief career in New York (two assisted tackles). 

Sheppard played the most snaps since Week 1 and rewarded defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo with three solo tackles. Meanwhile, like Robinson, Kennard had a quiet afternoon as he only compiled two solo tackles.

In a change from a week prior, rookie B.J. Goodson saw little playing time outside of special teams. 

The linebackers' collective effort has been a huge boost to the Giants defense this year. Their game against the Bengals was no exception. 

Grade: B

Defensive Backs

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When the defensive line puts pressure on the quarterback, it gives the defensive backs a greater chance to succeed. The D-Line did its part, and the Giants' cornerbacks and safeties followed suit.

There's only one place to start, and that's with safety Landon Collins. The second-year man from Alabama continued to play at an All-Pro level as he intercepted his fourth pass of the season and had five solo tackles. While he wasn't as much of a factor at the line of scrimmage, he helped Jonathan Casillas and Keenan Robinson cover Tyler Eifert and played a big part in stopping the tight end.

With free safety Darian Thompson placed on IR, it's officially Andrew Adams' job to lose. While he didn't add much to the stat sheet, the undrafted free agent continued his strong play next to Collins. Nat Berhe also saw some playing time as he eases back from a concussion.

With All-Pro receiver AJ Green across the field, everyone knew it was going to be a tough task for prized free-agent signing Janoris Jenkins. The former St. Louis Ram, however, continued to live up to his contract, as Green caught just four catches for 23 yards (and a touchdown) against Jackrabbit. First-round pick Eli Apple also played opposite Green and gave up 45 yards on three catches.

Veteran cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie lost some playing time to Coty Sensabaugh, who had his presence felt both in the slot and in some blitzing situations. While DRC isn't expected to stay on the sidelines, there's no denying Sensabaugh has impressed in his short time in blue.

While the entire defense has put the Giants three games over .500, the team wouldn't be where it is now with contributions from a multitude of players in the secondary.

Grade: A-

Special Teams

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Before Dwayne Harris left the game with an injured toe, he struggled to return both kickoffs and punts. While Bobby Rainey didn't break out for a big run, he appeared to do a better job than Harris in both situations. 

In addition, both the kick and punt coverage struggled, as Alex Erickson had two big returns. Brad Wing, however, did his best to pin the Bengals deep in their zone as he punted six times with a long of 55 yards. 

In his third week with the Giants, Robbie Gould had a quiet evening as he converted just three extra points.

All in all, special teams had some good moments and some bad. For the Giants to take it to the next level, they need consistent contributions from the unit.

Grade: C+ 

Dan Federico is a featured columnist for the New York Giants with Bleacher Report. You can follow and interact with him on Twitter or contact him via email.