QUARTERBACKS
Historic meeting vs. big brother wasn’t lost because of how Eli Manning (20 of 34, 247 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT) performed. Still needs to get sharper with his throws but coolness was there.
RUNNING BACKS
Start inventing a nickname for this duo. Tiki Barber (18-110 rushing, 5-61 receiving) was sensational and none of the Colts wanted any part of Brandon Jacobs (8-54, 1 TD).
WIDE RECEIVERS
In the preseason, Plaxico Burress (4-80, 1 TD) said that was the time to get all his penalties out of his system. Well, they’re still in his system and all his one- handed catches won’t cancel out those errors.
TIGHT ENDS
Jeremy Shockey (5-59) finally got going after halftime and ran a good route on 15-yard TD catch but a real boo-boo when he failed to get out of bounds on last drive.
OFFENSIVE LINE
LT Luke Petitgout made sure DE Dwight Freeney (one assisted tackle) was completely nullified. Eli had time aplenty, as no sacks allowed, and staggering 6.6-yard average per rushing attempt.
DEFENSIVE LINE
You know something is not great when Fred Robbins gets the only sack of the game. Couldn’t lay a glove on Peyton, and Michael Strahan was a tad late dropping in coverage on Dallas Clark TD grab.
LINEBACKERS
Led by Antonio Pierce (11 tackles), Gi ants allowed just 55 rushing yards, but Pierce couldn’t glove a would-be INT. LaVar Arrington (four tackles) was not a pass- rushing force.
SECONDARY
Potential interceptions were dropped, leading to six Colts points. Marvin Harrison (9-113) and Reggie Wayne (4-67) were killers on third down.
SPECIAL TEAMS
What happened to that dynamic return game and killer coverage? Chad Morton averaged a paltry 18.7 yards on six kick off returns and got no blocking help.
KICKING GAME
Missing a medium-range field goal can have a demoralizing effect on a team. Trailing 6-0, Jay Feely was wide left from 40 yards away on his lone attempt.
COACHING
Combination of too many penalties and Tom Coughlin snarling about them is growing old. Giants picked up where they left off last season in this department.
