Big Blue View
The New York Giants traveled to New Orleans on Sunday and started the game HOT against the Saints with two offensive touchdowns on two drives. New York took a big 14-3 lead, and the defense was dictating to Spencer Rattler and the Saints’ offense. But mistakes would catch up to the Giants, who were reckless with the football. Darius Slayton, Jaxson Dart, and Cam Skattebo all fumbled the football, which led to a long fumble return for a touchdown and two field goals by Blake Grupe.
Dart also threw two interceptions, so New York lost the turnover battle, 5-0. The Giants were consistent with their undisciplined play in the penalty department with eight for 95 yards, including false start, holding, and defensive pass interference penalties. Yes, the red zone offense looked better – but a lot looked worse. Here is the Week 5 report card.
Quarterback
Dart started hot with two touchdowns to start the game. It was the first time in five seasons that the Giants ended their first two drives with touchdowns. There were several high moments in the game for Dart, but, again, his performance was far from perfect. The underthrown flea flicker to an open Darius Slayton took points off the board. Dart then fumbled the football on a scramble to start the second half.
The Cam Skattebo fumble return for a touchdown gave the Saints a 26-14 lead. The Giants then turned the football over on fourth down with a deep desperation Dart pass that resulted in a Kool-Aid McKinstry interception; the drive was plagued by penalties and undisciplined play by the Giants. McKinstry came away with his second interception. Dart finished the game 26 of 40 for 202 yards with a pair of touchdowns and interceptions. He added 55 yards on the ground (7.9 YPC). This was a learning experience for Dart.
Grade: C-
Running Back
kattebo ran with physicality and brought a necessary energy to the team, which has become synonymous with his play. The late Carl Granderson sack may have been on Skattebo, judging by the reaction of Andrew Thomas. His fumble ended a 12-play, 55-yard drive by the Giants, and gave the Saints a 12-point lead. Skattebo averaged 3.9 yards per carry with 59 yards on the deck. He also caught six passes for 45 yards. Devin Singletary had six carries for 20 yards with one catch for 4 yards. Singletary’s drop on the Giants’ third drive was a low-key massive moment in the game that led to a punt that quickly turned into an 87 yard touchdown to Rasheed Shaheed.
Grade: D+
Wide Receiver
Slayton had a rough start in the absence of Malik Nabers. Slayton’s fumble revitalized the Saints, and allowed them to take the lead. He also failed to secure a deep pass that was in his hands. His first-half outlook would have changed if Dart connected on the third-down flea-flicker; still, it was a rough start for the veteran receiver. Slayton left the game in the fourth...
