Quarterbacks
Of all the numbers for the season, one rises above all: Eli Manning’s NFL-high 25 interceptions. It represents a quarterback who got sloppy with his mechanics and at times reckless or desperate with his throws. Take away 10 interceptions on deflections or bad routes by all those changing receivers and it still is too many interceptions for a veteran quarterback. Manning had career-highs in completion percentage (62.9) and touchdowns (31) and did throw for 4,002 yards. B-
Running backs
Ahmad Bradshaw (276 carries, 1,235 yards, eight TDs) proved to be tough in his first year as a starter and played through pain, but he fumbled seven times to give back the starting job and slumped down the stretch. Brandon Jacobs (147carries, 823 yards nine TDs), in a more limited role than he’s accustomed to, showed he still can be a load to handle, but he gets stuffed too often and he’s set to earn big money. It might be time to change part of this 1-2 punch. B
Wide receivers
Incredibly banged-up group turned into a turnstile position. Manning’s 25 interceptions also reflects on talented receivers Hakeem Nicks (79 catches, 1,052 yards, 11 TDs) and Mario Manningham (60 catches, 944 yards, nine TDs), who need to refine their great skills. The loss of ultra-dependable Steve Smith to a left knee injury was huge. B+
Offensive line
Renowned as a sturdy group that never leaves the field, this turned into an ever-changing, injury-wracked unit. Manning was sacked just 16 times, but the run blocking suffered. On the right side, guard Chris Snee made the Pro Bowl and tackle Kareem McKenzie might have bought himself more time because of his durability. Constant ankle and foot problems for Shaun O’Hara allowed rejuvenated Rich Seubert to find a new home at center until he went down with a dislocated kneecap in the last game. A-
Defensive line
The dominance was back. Justin Tuck had 111/2 sacks, five forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries. He again formed half of a formidable edge-rushing tandem with Osi Umenyiora, who returned to form one year further removed from knee surgery. Umenyiora also had 111/2 sacks and set an NFL record with 10 forced fumbles. Rookie Jason Pierre-Paul (41/2 sacks) came on strong. A
Linebackers
Given the expectation level, Jonathan Goff in the middle held up against the run as a first-time starter on a regular basis, but this unit didn’t do anything special. Keith Bulluck made a successful debut after 10 years with the Titans as far as his physical return from left knee surgery, but at 33 he wasn’t close to the player he was in Tennessee. C-
Secondary
The unit limited big plays until an alarming late-season swoon. Safety imports Antrel Rolle and Deon Grant made major impacts. Rolle, though, wasn’t used as the ball-hawk he was in Arizona and got beat deep too often. Grant played much more than anticipated, filling a linebacker role as a third safety and is a strong locker room presence. CB Terrell Thomas (five interceptions) again showed a nose for the ball and Kenny Phillips played in 16 games returning from left knee surgery, but definitely wasn’t the force the Giants hope he will be next season. B
Special teams
Where to start? To be kind, Matt Dodge had an uneven rookie year. He shows great potential and an uncommonly strong leg, but he learned the ropes the hard way and gained infamy with the punt that was supposed to go out of bounds against the Eagles but instead turned into DeSean Jackson’s last-second, game-winning TD return. Dodge was 30th in the NFL in net punting. Lawrence Tynes hit 19 of 23 field goals, improved on kickoffs during an unusually quiet season for a kicker. The Giants finished 31st in kickoff and punt returns. D
Coaching
It was another season in which coach Tom Coughlin’s club sank down the stretch, but at 10-6 he rightly is coming back. Perry Fewell in his first year as defensive coordinator prodded a league-leading 39 forced turnovers, but the unit has to develop more consistency. Kevin Gilbride’s offense moves the ball but probably is too enamored with the pass. Special teams coordinator Tom Quinn’s schemes and personnel were unable to generate anything in the return game. B-