QUARTERBACKS A
Strong, accurate, decisive passing by Eli Manning (28 of 41, 312 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT), who compiled a rating of 113.1. Gamely went back in despite bruised shoulder and showed fight battling from behind. The start of a big year, perhaps?
RUNNING BACKS B
Before he went down with a knee in jury, Brandon Jacobs (6-26) wasn’t avoiding tackles in his starting debut. The slack will have to be picked up by Derrick Ward (13-89 rushing, 4-27, 1 TD receiving).
WIDE RECEIVERS A
Guess Plaxico Burress (8-144, 3 TDs) was correct when he said missing time in camp was no big deal. Amani Toomer (9-91) was a constant threat and nearly got his second foot in on a possible 35-yard TD.
TIGHT ENDS B
Lots of bumping and grinding by Jer emy Shockey (5-41) but nothing deep, which is more of what we saw last year.
OFFENSIVE LINE A
Gave time aplenty to Manning, who was sacked just once and not pres sured much. LT David Diehl (with help) neutralized DeMarcus Ware (two tackles).
DEFENSIVE LINE F
Loss of DE Osi Umenyiora to a knee injury meant DE Michael Strahan (five tackles) got more snaps than planned after 36-day holdout, and was rusty. DE Justin Tuck (four tackles, one sack) is relentless, but overall a glaring lack of a pass rush up front.
LINEBACKERS F
Oh boy, was this a miserable night for Mathias Kiwanuka, who made his debut at LB. Looked lost in coverage and TE Jason Witten (6-116, 1 TD) wreaked havoc.
SECONDARY F
All that practice during the summer for this? CB R.W. McQuarters beaten off the line badly by Sam Hurd on crushing 51-yard TD and by Terrell Owens (3-87, 2 TDs). CB Corey Webster usually a step or two away and S James Butler missed tackles.
SPECIAL TEAMS C
First snap in the NFL career of rookie Jay Alford skipped back to holder Jeff Feagles for a botched extra point. Rookie Ahmad Bradshaw averaged 27.6 yards on kickoff returns, but coverage was shaky.
KICKING GAME A
Lawrence Tynes had a rough presea son but nailed all three FG attempts from 44, 48 and 24 yards away.
COACHING C
Dreadful first game as defensive coor dinator for Steve Spagnuolo, whose unit looked unprepared and often clueless. Kevin Gilbride’s offense came out humming. After all the injuries, Tom Coughlin already has to find a way to rally the boys.