GIANT REPORT CARD

QUARTERBACKS: C+

Life on the run was no fun for Kerry Collins (21 of 37, 321 yards). Two interceptions came late and one deflected off his own receiver. Makes some head-shaking throws but in this case he needed more help, especially up front.

RUNNING BACKS: C

Let’s get this straight: Tiki Barber (8-55) can’t be stopped in first quarter and is then relegated to forgotten-man status. Dumb. Is Ron Dayne (four carries, minus-3 yards) getting phased out again?

WIDE RECEIVERS: C

Some good moves by Ike Hilliard (6-106), not enough by Amani Toomer (5-60). Greatest sin was awful drop by Joe Jurevicius (3-42) with Giants driving.

TIGHT ENDS: C+

Dan Campbell (2-29) contributed. Howard Cross blocked in his 201st game, matching Giants record.

OFFENSIVE LINE: F

Way too much heat on Collins (four sacks). Most pressure of the season. Three false-start penalties, loads of trouble hearing snap count and repeatedly beaten off the line.

DEFENSIVE LINE: C

No truth to rumor that Monday’s officials are all related to Mark Gastineau, but it must have seemed that way to Michael Strahan (no sacks). Very active game for Kenny Holmes.

LINEBACKERS: C

Vikes somehow got 96 rushing yards, which is too much. Mike Barrow (nine tackles) and Jessie Armstead both had sacks but there was nothing special here.

SECONDARY: D

Jason Sehorn blitzed at wrong time to gift-wrap TD for Randy Moss (10-171, 3 TDs), who ran circles around Giants. Two interceptions for Will Allen. Shaun Williams was outworked by Moss in end zone for first TD.

SPECIAL TEAMS: C

Ron Dixon is a joke at kick returns and thankfully was benched. Coverage was solid.

KICKING GAME: B+

Rodney Williams was back in form with booming punts averaging 49.7 yards. Morten Andersen nailed three field goals, including 51-yarder to put Giants up 16-14.

COACHING: F

Here’s a guarantee: Any team that commits 15 penalties is a sloppy mess and that reflects badly on Jim Fassel. How does Barber run for 49 yards in first quarter and get two carries rest of game? Absurd.