New York Giants Full Team Grades vs. New England Patriots

Nov 15, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) dives forward for a first down against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. New England Patriots defeat the New York Giants 27-26. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

Rushing Offense Grade: C

This game was all about the arm of Eli Manning, and it showed in the stats. The Giants were 19th in the NFL running the ball coming into the game, but for anyone that watches them on a weekly basis that is hard to believe. Sunday the results were once again underwhelming, as the group offered little help Manning.

Manning was the owner of the longest run of the day, as his 10-yard scramble was tops for the Giants run game this week. That speaks to just how much of a struggle it was, as Manning is not the fleetest of foot nor someone you expect to take off and run.

The leading rusher for running backs was Rashad Jennings, who continues to lead this four-headed “attack”. He ran for 39 yards on 11 carries, most of which were hard fought. The 3.5 yards per carry has Jennings trending in the wrong direction, as he has surpassed 3.8 yards per carry only once in the last four games.

Orleans Darkwa came in behind Jennings, rushing the ball five times for 15 yards. Shane Vereen didn’t have much of a role against his old team, running the ball only four times for 14 yards, while having two receptions for 12 yards on four targets. Andre Williams rounded out the yardage for the Giants, gaining two yards on his two carries; he seems to be being phased out of the offense, as he was on the field for only one series, but that could be because the Giants gameplan was pass oriented.

Overall, the Giants gained 80 yards on 23 carries for an average of 3.5 yards per carry. It was another underwhelming game on the ground, something the Giants should work hard on improving during the bye week.

Next: Passing Defense Grade