New York Giants vs. Detroit Lions: Full Report Card Grades for New York

Just a few short weeks ago, many were criticizing the strength of schedule the New York Giants played. While they went on to rattle off six straight victories, Big Blue still wasn't considered a top-tier team in the NFC. 

But as is always the case, the 16-game stretch has balanced out. After defeating teams like the St. Louis Rams, the Cleveland Browns and the Chicago Bears, the Giants had the tall task of facing the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Detroit Lions and the other three franchises that call the NFC East home. 

After defeating the league-best Cowboys in Week 14, the Giants needed to carry the momentum against the equally-as-tough Lions. 

And as the clock ticked down to 0:00, the Ben McAdoo-led squad aced the test. In a rainy, hard-fought battle, the Giants won their final regular season game in front of their home fans by the score of 17-6. 

While the offense has yet to put it all together, they looked better against the stingy Lions defense on Sunday than they have in many weeks. Eli Manning reverted to his 2015 form, the rushing attack showed signs of life, the receiving corps made clutch catches and the offensive line played a surprisingly consistent game. 

At the same time, the defense continued to play at an all-world level. 

While the defensive line recorded just one sack, their pressure on quarterback Matt Stafford was consistent. The linebackers chipped in to help make the Lions' rushing attack non-existent. And even though the Giants' secondary was without Janoris Jenkins—arguably their best defender—for a majority of the game, the reserves stepped up and excelled. 

As the playoffs near, the team is hitting all the right buttons—and that's a huge reason why they are 10-4. But the Giants must stay on top of their game, however, as they travel to Philadelphia to take on division-rival Eagles. 

But before the short weeks turns over, let's break down the performance of each position against the Lions. 

Quarterback

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After looking like a new quarterback in Ben McAdoo's system, 2016 hasn't been kind to veteran Eli Manning. While the offensive line has been the primary source behind his struggles, the quarterback, too, deserves some of the blame. 

Sunday, however, was a different story. Sure, there are still improvements to be made. But if Manning can play at this level from here on out, there aren't many teams that will be able to beat the Giants. 

Efficiency

Something that has plagued Manning all season long as been efficiency. That was a problem against the Lions, however, as the veteran was as good as it gets. In 28 attempts, Manning converted 20 passes with two touchdowns, no interceptions and 201 passing yards. His efforts equated to an impressive passer rating of 115.3. 

Four Weeks in the Making

Speaking of his 200 passing yards, Manning was able to eclipse that number for the first time in four weeks, since he did so against the Chicago Bears in Week 11. 

Another Milestone

During the opening drive of the game, Manning was able to climb the record books in yet another category. After completing his third pass of the game, he became only the seventh quarterback in NFL history to surpass 4,000 completions. 

Grade: B+

Running Backs

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If you follow the Giants closely, you know one of their biggest detriments is their inability to run the football. Fortunately, Sunday was a different story, as Rashad Jennings, Paul Perkins and Shane Vereen received touches and helped put the team over 100 yards on the ground.

Lead Back

Ever since Ben McAdoo enlisted Jennings and Perkins as his top runners out of the backfield, their carries have been nearly identical. The matchup against the Lions, however, was different. The veteran Jennings paced the Giants with 18 carries, collecting just 38 yards on the ground.

But Should He Be?

While fans have been calling for Perkins to receive more carries, his performance on Sunday may have finally put him over the top. The 2016 fifth-round pick jumped off the screen every time he touched the ball and his stats showed. Despite getting just 11 rush attempts, he led the team with 58 yards on the ground, including a long of 11 yards. While McAdoo seems set on having a committee, Perkins is making the case to be the number one running back. 

Easing His Way Back

With Vereen now healthy, he will add a new wrinkle to the offense that it can sorely use. McAdoo, however, is slowly integrating his valuable weapon back into the swing of things. Back from a Week 14 concussion, Vereen ran the ball twice while also catching two passes.

Grade: B

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

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The weather conditions weren't ideal for a team that relies so heavily on their passing attack. But that didn't stop the Giants' bevy of pass catchers to make their imprint on the outcome. No one dominated on the stat sheet, but spreading the ball around was the recipe for success.

So That's What the Pregame Ritual is For!

Odell Beckham Jr.'s rise to stardom has as much to do with his pregame routine than it does with what he's able to do during the game. His flashy and awe-inspiring ability to snag footballs was on display once again,on Sunday, as he hauled in a fourth-quarter touchdown with his left hand to push the Giants' lead to 11. The score capped off an impressive afternoon that saw Beckham catch six passes for 64 yards.

Milestone, Part 2

Manning wasn't the only player wearing blue to make history on Sunday. Due to his performance, Beckham became the first wide receiver in NFL history with 80+ catches and 1,000+ receiving yards in each of his first three seasons.

Return of the Salsa...Kinda

With Shane Vereen running towards the goal line after hauling in a screen pass, he fumbled the ball and it landed in the end zone. Victor Cruz, however, was trailing right behind the running back and recovered the ball, leading to a touchdown. After the veteran broke out a subtle salsa since it wasn't his touchdown, the play was negated altogether due to a penalty on Bobby Hart. Cruz did, however, record a 29-yard catch.

7-for-87

Second-round pick Sterling Shepard had an impressive afternoon as he registered four receptions for 56 yards. But it was his first catch that was his best, as Shepard was on the receiving end of a touchdown during the first drive of the game. That was the rookie's seventh touchdown this season and his fifth in the previous seven games.

Heavy Workload

Even the tight ends were on the receiving end of some love from Manning. Will Tye and Jerell Adams combined to make seven catches against the Lions with Tye having 25 receiving yards while Adams had 18.

Grade: B+

Offensive Line

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After weeks of poor play, the offensive line of the Giants had one of their most consistent games in recent memory. They still have a ways to go before they're seen as legitimate, but their performance in Week 15 was a step in the right direction. 

The Return

Justin Pugh played in his first game since Week 9 and could be seen a key reason behind the unit's success. The guard has been the best lineman for the Giants in 2016, and his return is a key reason why the team excelled when running the football and in the passing game. 

Quiet is Good

After being exposed on a national stage against the Dallas Cowboys, left tackle Ereck Flowers had a quiet afternoon—and that's a good thing. His lone blip came when he allowed the athletic Ziggy Ansah to record his first sack of the season. 

It Wouldn't be a Game Without a Penalty

You can say it's an improvement, as there was only one flag given to the O-Line; but it wouldn't be a game without someone getting a penalty. Right tackle Bobby Hart was the recipient on Sunday as he was called for illegal hands to the face, bringing back a touchdown on a recovered fumble for the Giants. 

Grade: B-

Defensive Line

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The heart and soul—not only of the defense but the entire team—continued to show why they are just that. The front four provided constant pressure on Matt Stafford while completely shutting down the run game of the Lions.

Hungry for Snacks

While Olivier Vernon and Janoris Jenkins were seen as flashy offseason moves, the signing of Damon Harrison flew under the radar—and now he's proving to everyone why that shouldn't have been. The rotund tackle continues to be an absolute stud up the middle and was a huge reason why the Lions only gained 56 yards on the ground. Harrison, however, also contributed in the pass rush; he forced his way past a double team and the Giants were able to pick up their lone sack of the afternoon.

The Beneficiaries

Speaking of Harrison generating a sack, it was Olivier Vernon and Johnathan Hankins who were the beneficiaries. Not only did the duo combined for the takedown, but they both collected five tackles apiece.

Rotation

Although Romeo Okwara stood out like a sore thumb last week, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo decided to use a rotation in Jason Pierre-Paul's place. In addition to Okwara, Owa Odighizuwa, Kerry Wynn, and linebacker Devon Kennard all worked at defensive end.

Grade: A-

Linebackers

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When the Giants opened the season, many were curious about the crop of linebackers general manager Jerry Reese put together. While they're not flashy, they excel as a unit. That was visible throughout the victory against the Lions. 

Rookie Getting Time

For the majority of 2016, it's been a steady rotation of Jonatha Casillas, Kelvin Sheppard, Devon Kennard and Keenan Robinson at the linebacker position. With Robinson ailing from a shoulder injury, Spagnuolo decided to give rookie BJ Goodson a chance on Sunday. The youngster impressed throughout his time on the field as he collected one solo tackle and assisted on another. 

Versatility is Key

It may have taken a while, but it looks like Kennard is finally putting it all together. The third-year defender has put his versatility on display this season, and that could be a key reason behind his confidence and success.

Not only does Kennard line up as an outside linebacker, but he's also a frequent blitzer, drops back in coverage and even puts his hand in the dirt and works as a defensive end. He did all of that—and more—against the Lions. 

Grade: B

Secondary

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If the D-Line is the heart and soul, the secondary brings the swagger to put the Giants defense over the top. As expected, they balled out on Sunday and catapulted the team to their 10th victory of the year.

Oh No

Janoris Jenkins hasn't only been the best cornerback on his team, but he may be the best in the league. Unfortunately, however, the Giants received a significant blow to their secondary as Jackrabbit exited the game with a spine/ribs injury. There was no update in the post-game press conference—and now, Giants fans must keep their fingers crossed that Jenkins is okay.

Doesn't Need to be Flashy...

Whether it's the interceptions, the sacks or the passes defended, Landon Collins has been all over the place in 2016. While he didn't get another pick or a QB takedown on Sunday, he made a tackle that was equally as impressive.

With the Lions in a third-and-short situation, Matt Stafford dumped the ball off to tight end Eric Ebron. It looked like a sure-fire first down until Collins turned on the jets and wrapped up the big man behind the first down marker. If this man isn't the Defensive Player of the Year, who could it be?

Fingertips

First round pick Eli Apple is really starting to flash his strengths and this afternoon was no different. After being beaten on a double move by Golden Tate, Apple used his blazing speed to recover, reached out, and got his fingertips on a potential touchdown pass. 

Playmaking off the Bench

After veteran Leon Hall lost playing time after the bye week, he was inserted back into the lineup against the Dallas Cowboys. After collecting his first interception of the season in that game, Hall came up with another turnover against the Lions. In a goal line situation, the defensive back knocked the ball out of Zach Zenner's hands, leading to a turnover. If there's one way to get back onto the field, it's to make plays — and Hall is doing just that.

DRC with the INT

With Jenkins out, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie took his place back on the outside. With the Lions threating to cut the lead to one score, DRC leaped into the air and caught his third interception of the season, all but putting the finishing touches on the game.

Grade: B+

Special Teams

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There is finally some consistency out of the special teams play, and it's been an underrated reason behind the Giants' winning ways.

Simply Amazing

If it wasn't for Brad Wing, what would Big Blue's record look like? After a dominant game in Week 14, he was back at it against the Lions. Wing punted seven times, averaged 41 yards per kick and pinned the Lions inside of their five on two separate occasions.

Perfect

Despite beginning his career in rocky fashion, veteran Robbie Gould has settled down. He was perfect on Sunday as he connected on a 47-yard field goal while converting both of his extra-point attempts.

Second Time in a Row

With McAdoo looking for a spark, he put Odell Beckham Jr. back to receive punts. While the receiver did reach the end zone, it was negated by a block in the back. That's the second time Beckham has returned a punt for a touchdown, only for it to be taken back.

Grade: B