Grading the Giants’ 24-16 win over the Texans on Sunday at MetLife Stadium:

You think the Giants wanted to try to exploit the league’s worst-ranked run defense? Saquon Barkley carried it a career-high 35 times and most of his 152 yards did not come easily. He’s a bull. Daniel Jones’ passer rating was a career-high 153.3 — that’s what happens when a quarterback goes 13 of 17 for 197 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Darius Slayton (3-95) had the “wow” play of the day with a catch and run, run, run for a 54-yard TD. Extra OL Jack Anderson was called for a false start on fourth-and-1 and got chewed out by the head coach. New TE Lawrence Cager’s first contribution was a nine-yard TD on the opening drive. Isaiah Hodgins (2-41) made an impact in his first game with the Giants. The less said about Kenny Golladay (no catches, one horrific drop before getting benched) the better. 

Grade: B+

Forcing two turnovers to turn aside scoring threats in the second half was huge, with Leonard Williams forcing a fumble on the hard-running Dameon Pierce that was recovered by Jaylon Smith. Rookie Dane Belton came up with a leaping end zone interception — only the second INT all season for the Giants. Dexter Lawrence came off the field for three plays early in the second quarter and Pierce gained 61 of his 94 yards. Sexy Dexy (five QB hits) was a dominant force. He also induced a critical holding penalty on rookie Kenyon Green to wipe out a Texans TD. CB Fabian Moreau was beaten cleanly by Nico Collins in the end zone on a 12-yard TD catch. Belton, subbing for injured Xavier McKinney, got sloppy on two plays late in the fourth quarter with a missed coverage and missed tackle. Pierce finished with 94 rushing yards, with 44 on one run. Texans QB Davis Mills was sacked four times (1.5 by Jason Pinnock). 

Grade: A 

Adoree’ Jackson handled punt return duties for the first time with the Giants. He wisely covered up late in the first quarter after fielding a bouncing ball. Uneven showing from Jamie Gillan. He hit a terrible punt early in the second quarter that bounced into the end zone for a net of 20 yards. Gillan followed that up with a miss-hit up into the air for only 14 yards. At least his last kick was a good one. Bad start in coverage as Tremon Smith returned the opening kickoff 32 yards. When Graham Gano was called on to seal the deal with a 49-yard field goal, he delivered. Cager justified his spot on the hands team by recovering an onside kick. 

Grade: B-

No one can say Brian Daboll did not give Golladay a chance. Golladay blew it and he got benched. Daboll’s track record is wanting to throw the ball but he’s adjusted nicely to a run-oriented attack. Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka used tempo at the start on the game-opening TD drive and stayed remarkably patient with the run game despite a slow start. How about Kafka at times going with eight offensive lineman? One of Wink Martindale’s strengths as a defensive coordinator is the way he infuses his players with confidence. Thus, guys like Belton and Pinnock feel empowered to step in and play well. 

Grade: A