Big Blue View
The 1-3 New York Giants earned their first victory of the season on Sunday with a 21-18 upset of the previously unbeaten Los Angeles Chargers. The win came at a cost, though, as star receiver Malik Nabers is feared to have torn his right ACL. He is scheduled for an MRI on Monday.
The Giants showed a lot of toughness. The Chargers did not make things easy, as the Giants’ run defense failed to bottle up Omarion Hampton in the second half. Yet the Giants’ defense, overall, did well to pressure Justin Herbert and dictate to the Chargers’ potent offense.
Dexter Lawrence and Dru Phillips both came away with interceptions that turned into 10 points for New York. Those defensive plays were a major difference, as the Giants protected the football and had zero turnovers (other than the turnover on downs).
The Giants’ red zone offense was again a problem. They failed on a fourth-down conversion attempt late that was almost disastrous for the team. Still, the Giants were much better on third down (7 of 15) and the offensive energy was much more evident. The Giants were out-gained 338 to 250 yards, but it’s the Giants who won the game. Here is the report card.
Quarterback
Jaxson Dart earned a victory in his first NFL start – BRAVO! Dart finished 13 of 20 for 111 yards with a touchdown to Theo Johnson and a rushing touchdown. He had 54 yards on the ground (5.4 yards per carry), and he took five sacks. Dart certainly had some rookie moments; taking sacks and not throwing to receivers, who were open (The Beaux Collins Comeback). Still, one must applaud the toughness and grit of Dart going up against a vaunted Chargers’ defense, while also losing a star receiver. The Giants secured the win, with Dart providing significant help.
Grade: A
Running Back
The combination of Cam Skattebo and Devin Singletary was respectable. Skattebo earned 25 carries; although he only secured 79 yards on the ground (3.2 YPC), he still provided the necessary energy and physicality. Singletary had 28 yards on seven carries. The rushing attack did not dictate the game, but it was functional.
Grade: C+
Wide Receiver
Devastating. The Giants didn’t receive a half of football with their star receiver and rookie quarterback. Ian Rapaport reported that Malik Nabers tore his right ACL. The loss is immeasurable. Both Jalin Hyatt and Beaux Collins received snaps in lieu of Nabers. Darius Slayton had a few clutch catches (three for 44 yards) in high-leverage situations over the middle of the field. He also caused a defensive holding penalty in the red zone.
Wan’Dale Robinson had just three catches for 14 yards with a big drop in the end zone on fourth down. Robinson has to squeeze the football when it gets into his hands; his limited catch radius is a hindrance enough; if the football finds his hands, he must find a way to secure it.
Grade: C
Tight End
Theo Johnson scored...
