Giants vs. Falcons Full Team Grades

Special Teams Grade: A

Sep 13, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; New York Giants punter Brad Wing (9) waits for the ball on an field goal attempt during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Dallas won 27-26. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

After so many seasons of inept special teams play, this unit actually looks like it could be a strength for the Giants this season. Every facet of the game, returning, kicks, punts and coverage teams look improved as the Giants are starting in better field position, and opponent’s aren’t always starting in positive positions.

We saw first hand against the Falcons why the Giants felt the need to hand all that money to Dwayne Harris in the offseason. The special teams dynamo was on full display, as he showcased his talent in the return game and covering punts. As a kick returner, Harris put the Giants in good field position on his two tries, gaining 77 yards. He was just as good returning punts, as he gained 66 yards on four attempts. He also downed a punt at the two yard-line as a gunner, getting downfield quick enough to catch the punt out of the air.

Speaking of punting, the acquisition of Brad Wing is proving to be a good one thus far. Wing had another solid afternoon in the punt game, as he attempted four punts for 164 yards, good enough for a 41.0 yard average. While the average may not jump off the page, he got the job done as he landed three of those four punts inside the 20 yard-line; can’t ask for much more out of your punter.

Josh Brown also did his job kicking. He made both of his field goal attempts from 44 and 38 yards away. He also knocked in both of his extra points to stay perfect on the season in both areas. He also had three of his five kickoffs go for touchbacks, limiting the Falcons chances of good field positions off kickoffs by only allowing two attempts, one of which was picked up on a squib kick.

The play of the special teams unit will be big for the Giants, as their offense and defense both have some kinks to work out and cannot be trusted to win games. The kicker, punter, and coverage teams doing their jobs will help in getting victories for this Giants team, as it is the most consistent unit the Giants currently have.

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