New York Giants vs. Washington Redskins: Full Report Card Grades for New York

On the surface, the New York Giants had nothing to play for Sunday. Standing at 10-5, the team had already clinched a postseason berth for the first time since 2011 and was firmly entrenched as the fifth seed.

But at the same time, the team is far from perfect; while the defense is among the elite units in football, the offense continues to be a work in progress. Not to mention, the Giants also had the chance to prevent the defending NFC East champion Washington Redskins from making the playoffs.

With the starters playing for the majority of the contest, the Giants were able to escape FedExField with a 19-10 victory, giving the organization its best regular-season record since 2008.

The risk of injury was apparent, but that didn't stop head coach Ben McAdoo from keeping his mainstays in for the duration of the game. Outside of Odell Beckham Jr., the entire starting offense—including Eli Manning—played all four quarters for the Giants. While struggles continued to persist, the offense dominated the time of possession and also saw some positive signs in the running game.

The defense, of course, played at an all-world level. Like their counterparts, McAdoo opted to play his starters, leading to the Redskins being shut out over the first two quarters. When the second half started, big names like Olivier Vernon and Janoris Jenkins became fixtures on the sidelines, but that didn't stop the team from allowing just one touchdown.

The Giants will play the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the playoffs. The team got a head start on its preparation Sunday, and that will only bode well in its efforts as the season rolls on.

Let's hand out some regular-season grades one final time.

Quarterback

Alex Brandon/Associated Press

Many were calling for Eli Manning to rest Sunday, as the last thing the Giants needed was their captain to get hurt before the playoffs began. The positive? The quarterback escaped with no injuries. The negative? He continued to struggle in multiple facets of the game. 

Nine Games in the Making

For the first time since the Giants traveled to London to play the Los Angeles Rams, Manning failed to register a touchdown pass. While he had a solid game overall (17-of-27, 180 passing yards), it's discouraging that the Giants' biggest threat (their quarterback/wide receiver combination) failed to make a dent on the scoreboard. 

Taking Care of the Ball

Manning did, however, take care of the ball—and that's something he's had trouble with all year long. For just the fifth time in 2016, the signal-caller didn't throw an interception or fumble the ball, and that was a key reason why the Giants were able to hold on and secure the win. 

Grade: C+

Running Backs

Patrick Smith/Getty Images

After weeks of wondering when Paul Perkins would emerge as the starter, fans' prayers were answered Sunday. But the rookie wasn't the only contributor, as Rashad Jennings chipped in as well.

Career Day

In his first career NFL start, Perkins had a career game. Averaging a hair less than five yards per carry, the rookie gained 102 yards on the ground on just 21 rushes. While he didn't reach the end zone, Perkins' skills were on display as he had no issues shedding tackles, hitting the holes hard and making defenders miss. As the Giants head to the postseason, it shouldn't shock anyone if Perkins works as the lead back.

What About Me?!

Sure, Perkins stole the headlines—but Rashad Jennings didn't have a quiet evening, either. The veteran rusher carried the ball 18 times and gained an impressive 52 yards over that span. While he's seen his workload decrease in recent weeks, Jennings has been a great mentor to the younger Perkins and has been vital to his success.

Best for Last

The duo of Perkins and Jennings saved their best collective performance for the last game of the season. The tandem—combined with a seven-yard end-around by Sterling Shepard—posted 161 rushing yards in 40 attempts.

Grade: A-

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

Nick Wass/Associated Press

As previously mentioned, the Giants' struggles through the air were a big reason why they couldn't put the Redskins away in the first half. Overall, however, the ball was spread around, leading to some surprising statistics in the win. 

Round 3

Ever since last season's fiasco, all eyes have been on the matchup between Odell Beckham Jr. and Josh Norman. While round three only lasted one half, it was still an entertaining one. OBJ hauled in four passes from Manning when lined up against Norman, good for 44 yards. The cornerback, however, was doing a bit too much after the whistle as he was charged with two personal foul calls. Fortunately, Beckham steered clear from confrontation. 

Wait, Who?

Who led the Giants in receiving yards? Was it Beckham? Sterling Shepard? Maybe even Victor Cruz? None of the above. Second-year tight end Will Tye recorded 47 receiving yards, a number that paced the team against the Redskins. 

Not the Only One

Tye's 47 yards led the team, while Beckham's 44 put him in second. But OBJ wasn't the only receiver to notch 44 yards through the air. Little-used undrafted free agent Tavarres King recorded the second catch of his career—and it was a big one. With the Giants looking to go downfield to take the lead, Manning connected with the youngster on a 44-yard bomb down the sideline, one that helped set up the eventual game-winning field goal. 

Grade: B-

Offensive Line

Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Throughout the season, the offensive line has been the primary target of criticism. Its final performance of the season, however, should ease some minds as the Giants head to the playoffs.

It's Not All Running Backs

With Perkins and Jennings, among others, gaining 161 yards on the ground, a lot of the praise will go to the group of running backs. But they wouldn't have been able to get that yardage if it weren't for the offensive line. From the first whistle to the last, Ereck Flowers, Justin Pugh, Weston Richburg, John Jerry and Marshall Newhouse all had a part in the big game on the ground.

No Surprises

While the unit had a strong contest, it wouldn't be a game without some flags against the O-Line. Flowers (holding) and Newhouse (hands to the face) were the culprits against the Redskins.

Grade: B

Defensive Line

Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Due to rest, there were plenty of faces that played along the defensive line Sunday. That didn't, however, hurt the unit's production as it helped set the tone for the rest of the defense. 

Sack for Snacks

Remember when experts said the Giants overpaid for a two-down player? Damon Harrison read the reviews and put them to task this evening. The man known as "Snacks" easily split Spencer Long and Brandon Scherff and caught QB Kirk Cousins 10 yards in the backfield. Harrison has a career-high 3.5 sacks this season. 

Well-Deserved Rest

When looking at the box score, Olivier Vernon wasn't much of a producer against the Redskins. It wasn't for a lack of effort, however. The prized free-agent signee sat out for much of the second half as he earned some much-deserved rest before the playoffs. 

The Other Guys

With Harrison, Vernon and Johnathan Hankins seeing less playing time, Steve Spagnuolo called on a bevy of youngsters as their replacements. In addition to Romeo Okwara (whose been starting for Jason Pierre-Paul), Kerry Wynn, Owa Odighizuwa and Devon Kennard took turns at defensive end while Jay Bromley and Robert Thomas spent time in the interior. 

Grade: B+

Linebackers

Dan Istitene/Getty Images

Spagnuolo continued his system of rotating Keenan Robinson, Jonathan Casillas, Devon Kennard and Kelvin Sheppard in different packages. In what has become a theme, the playing system paid off.

Retribution

Ever since Robinson left D.C. to join the Giants, he's let it known he's now with the superior organization. In the first matchup, he said it with his mouth. On Sunday, he proved it with his play. Robinson—who was named one of the three game captains—paced the Giants with an impressive six solo tackles and helped in both pass coverage and in the run game.

Setting the Tone

During the first drive of the game, the Redskins were in a third-and-short situation. Although everyone knew the ball was going to Matt Jones, he's one of the hardest runners to take down. Sheppard didn't get the memo as he burst through the offensive line and took Jones down behind the first-down marker, setting the tone for the rest of the contest.

Grade: B+

Secondary

Rob Carr/Getty Images

Just one year ago, the Giants had the worst pass defense in NFL history. Flash forward one year later, and the secondary is arguably the best group in the league. 

What Can't He Do

Not much more can be said about Landon Collins, who's a legitimate Defensive Player of the Year candidate. In what Giants fans have come accustomed to, the second-year safety's stat sheet was full, and he made an impact in a number of scenarios. Collins finished the game with eight total tackles, one sack and one quarterback hit. 

Three for the DBs

Speaking of sacks, Collins wasn't the only defensive back to get one. Out of the four QB takedowns, three of them came from the secondary: Collins, Leon Hall and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. 

Not Going Anywhere

When the Giants drafted Eli Apple in the first round, many believed Rodgers-Cromartie's days in blue were numbered. The veteran, however, completely reinvented himself and looks like someone who can finish his career in New York. DRC has made a seamless transition to the slot cornerback position and has become one of the Giants' best playmakers, as evidenced by his sack and two interceptions against the Redskins. 

Vet Earning His Job Back

Earlier in the season, slot corner/safety Hall was a healthy scratch for four straight games. Instead of complaining, the veteran worked twice as hard to get playing time. While undrafted free agent Andrew Adams continues to start next to Collins, Hall continues to get more and more snaps as each week passes. 

Grade: A+

Special Teams

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Ever since he joined the organization, Robbie Gould has been a tremendous asset. He continued to be just that on Sunday. 

The Perfect 10

After converting both of his field goals against the Redskins, Gould is now 10-of-10 in field-goal opportunities. With the offense struggling, who knows how many games the team would've won if it weren't for his contributions. 

Grade: B

Dan Federico is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter or contact him via email