New York Giants Team Grades vs. New Orleans Saints Week 2

Rushing Offense Grade: C-

The gameplan for the Giants in this game was a bit head-scratching. Rashad Jennings saw success to end last season and against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1, but, for whatever reason, the Giants went away from him for extended periods of time against the Saints.

Jennings received 13 carries and turned it into only 27 yards. He was unable to get going as the Giants offensive line struggled to open up holes for him to run through. He was out-touched on the afternoon by Shane Vereen, who had a big role in the running game as well as the passing game.

Vereen received 14 carries and ran for 42 yards in addition to three receptions for 24 yards. It will not be often that Vereen out-touches Jennings, especially in a game the Giants are leading most of. While the gameplan must have favored Vereen against the Saints, it was still weird seeing him get more touches than Jennings, especially since the Giants never trailed in the game.

Orleans Darkwa even received a carry, but he was unable to do anything with it; he was stuffed for -1 yard on his sole carry of the game. It was weird timing for Darkwa to make his debut with the offense, as he came in during the Giants’ first drive of the fourth quarter.

Overall, the Giants ran for 64 yards on 32 carries; four of which were credited to Manning for -4 yards, most of which came on knees near the end of the game. The Giants will have to get the running game back on track to take pressure off the passing offense.