New York Giants First Quarter Season Grades
Passing Offense Grade: B+
Sep 20, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) and New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) celebrate their touchdown during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Outside of the miscommunications Week 1 against the Cowboys and his fumble against the Falcons in Week 2, Eli Manning has been wonderful. He has had great ball security again, with only one interception to go with that one fumble. He has a strong 62.9 completion percentage (which should be at least three percentage points higher if not for Preston Parker) with 976 yards and seven touchdowns.
Once again Odell Beckham Jr. has been the main target for Manning, hauling in 24 receptions for 307 yards and two touchdowns. He has performed much better at home than on the road, as it seems opposing fans and teams sometimes get to him away from MetLife Stadium. He will have to keep his composure though, as he cannot punch an opponent like he did against the Bills as it will not only cost the Giants yardage in the game, but could result in a suspension and more fines.
Shane Vereen has looked strong in the passing game when needed, which is really game flow dependent. After being non-existent for the first two weeks, Rueben Randle has bounced back the last two weeks with 10 receptions, 147 yards and two touchdowns after going for only four receptions and 28 yards the first two weeks.
The Giants need to keep getting more people involved to keep pressure off of Beckham. With Victor Cruz sidelined again, someone will have to step up in the slot. Dwayne Harris did well against the Bills, and could be in for a bigger role in the coming weeks.
But, as long as Manning is staying efficient and not turning the ball over, this offense will perform and put up stats. Also, kudos to the offensive line. It looked like it would be a trouble spot for the Giants once again this season, but they have kept Manning clean, giving up only four sacks, the second least amount in the NFL behind only the Cincinnati Bengals and New York Jets, who have surrendered two each.
Next: Rushing Offense Grade