New York Giants Full Team Grades vs. New England Patriots

Nov 15, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) drops back to pass against the New England Patriots in the first half during the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Passing Offense Grade: B+

The Giants passing offense has a tale of two halves. Eli Manning had things rolling in the first half, throwing for 251 yards and two touchdowns. But in the second half, he was unable to get into the same rhythm, throwing for only 110 yards and the Giants scoring only nine points not 17.

Manning’s overall numbers are strong though, as he went toe-to-toe with Tom Brady. He did have some bad breaks though, as he was sacked three times, two of which were momentum changing. The first time, he fumbled while the Giants were inside field goal range in the first half. The second came after the Giants recovered a Brady fumble, which knocked them out of field goal range when they could have really opened up their lead in the early stages of the fourth quarter.

Both cost the Giants potential points, but not as much as the touchdown that was taken away from Odell Beckham Jr. on the Giants last possession of the game. Beckham Jr. looked to have reeled in the go-ahead touchdown with about two minutes left, getting both feet in bounds and Malcolm Butler knocking the ball out afterwards. Upon further review, the referees determined Beckham Jr. didn’t complete the catch and the Giants settled for a field goal a couple of plays later.

Beckham was able to beat Butler and Devin McCourty on the second play from scrimmage for the Giants, pulling off an 87-yard catch and run for a touchdown, but was held in check after that. He caught only three passes for 17 yards despite getting another 11 targets following the early touchdown.

The second touchdown Manning threw was to Dwayne Harris, who came up big once again with six receptions for 82 yards and the touchdown. Harris has done an admirable job stepping into the slot receiver role, but could see his chances dialed back a bit after the bye with Victor Cruz hoping to make a return.

Manning was able to get his other receivers involved enough to move the ball in a game Beckham and him weren’t on the same page throughout, but they came up just short with Beckham’s touchdown being overruled.

Next: Rushing Offense Grade