NFL

Giants report card: Defense finishes with a flourish

OFFENSE

It has come to this: Where would the Giants have been the past few weeks without Jerrel Jernigan? He caught a 24-yard TD pass and ran for a 49-yard touchdown. The little guy is unstoppable. Rough, rough day for Eli Manning (10-for-24, 152 yards), who got beaten up behind a Swiss cheese line, threw interception No. 27 and left with a sprained ankle. Peyton Hillis (17 carries/56 yards) to the rescue for Andre Brown (13/11, one lost fumble).

Grade: C

DEFENSE

Justin Tuck needs to play the Redskins every week. Two more sacks vs. Skins (six on the season) to finish with a flourish. First two INTs of season for Trumaine McBride. All sorts of harassment of Kirk Cousins and nothing doing for Alfred Morris (16 carries/62 yards), thanks mainly to Jon Beason (nine tackles). Prince Amukamara did an excellent job shadowing Pierre Garcon (6 receptions/56 yards).

Grade: A

SPECIAL TEAMS

Tough ball security in the rain, but busy Steve Weatherford averaged 41.1 net yards on his eight punts. Julian Talley made a nice tackle on Santana Moss in punt coverage at the Redskins’ 5-yard line. Josh Brown hit FGs of 34 and 38 yards, but missed 50-yarder after making 17 straight.

Grade: B+

COACHING

There really is no doubt the Giants still listen to Tom Coughlin, as they played hard down the stretch. Perry Fewell’s defense did not stop fighting down the stretch of a rough season and the results were there. As for Kevin Gilbride, you try calling plays when the offensive line can’t block for the run and puts the quarterback under duress.

Grade: B+