New York Giants Team Grades vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Nov 8, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Giants running back Andre Williams (44) runs with the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. New York Giants defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 32-18. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Rushing Offense Grade: C-
It was a struggle at times for the Giants on the ground, but they stuck with it. They got the yards when they needed to, as they picked up chunk yards and kept the clock moving on the last drive of the game, putting the team in field goal range and leaving the Buccaneers with very little time.
Rashad Jennings led what has turned into a four-man rotation, carrying the ball 13 times for 48 yards. Jennings didn’t get a touch until their fifth series of the game, yet still came away as the leading rusher. The 3.7 yards per carry is right around what the Buccaneers have been allowing thus far this season.
The biggest surprise out of the Giants backfield is the work that Andre Williams did. After essentially being written off by media members and fans alike, Williams came through with the most efficient day out of the Giants backfield. He gained 30 yards on seven attempts, good for 4.3 yards per carry. He even caught a pass, which was good to see from someone who has struggled so much in the passing game.
Orleans Darkwa was able to get into the game after suffering an injury last week, and ran with the same intensity he did when he was got a shot two weeks ago. He gained only 23 yards on six carries for 3.8 yards, but he has done enough to continue getting some work in the coming weeks.
Shane Vereen was limited in the running game, gaining only 14 yards on six carries. He was given an attempt inside the five yard line, but was stuffed and lost yards. Vereen is better suited in the passing game, and should be limited to run plays out of the shotgun as he does not have the size to be banging through the tackles.
While it wasn’t the best day on the ground for the Giants, gaining 114 yards on 33 carries, it was good to see them not go away from it. It was a big help in getting the victory as they ran the ball well when they needed to bleed the clock at the end of the game.
Next: Passing Defense Grade