Giant Report Card

QUARTERBACKS: A

Given time, Kerry Collins (24 of 40, 303 yards, 2 TDs) is a beast, firing darts over the middle. No INTs and superb decision-making. Loved that 2-point conversion run.

RUNNING BACKS: B

Grinding day for Tiki Barber (21-77 rushing, 4-32 receiving), whose longest gain was only 12 yards. Dorsey Levens (11-39) got first Giants TD.

WIDE RECEIVERS: A

Amani Toomer (6-127, 1 TD) was ticked at himself for recent slump and broke out in a big way. Ike Hilliard (5-55, 1 TD) was solid as usual and found the end zone again.

TIGHT ENDS: B+

Quietly effective outing for Jeremy Shockey (8-86), a valuable weapon on third down. Nothing extraneous, nothing fancy, just good hard play.

OFFENSIVE LINE: B

This seems to be the best unit, with Chris Bober inside at C and Ian Allen outside at RT. Given help, Allen held up solidly vs. DE Shaun Ellis (two tackles, one-half sack). Only one sack allowed.

DEFENSIVE LINE: B

Difficulty corralling Curtis Martin (28-108), no trouble stopping LaMont Jordan (6-12) and decent but not great pressure on Chad Pennington. Michael Strahan had a sack but was not dominant.

LINEBACKERS: A+

Coming-out party for Brandon Short, who played best game (14 tackles, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, one sack) of his career. Micheal Barrow (16 tackles) helped Short form devastating 1-2 punch.

SECONDARY: C-

Shredded for four TD passes and unable to get a handle on Santana Moss (10-121, 3 TDs). INTs for Shaun Williams and Ralph Brown and excellent blitz, sack and forced fumble by Omar Stoutmire. CB Frank Walker struggled.

SPECIAL TEAMS : B-

Blocked FG by Will Allen in OT was game-saver and was helped by botched operation by Jets. Kickoff returns of Brian Mitchell still nowhere, but coverage was fine.

KICKING GAME : B-

The reason Brett Conway wasn’t smiling after hitting game-winning 29-yard FG in OT was because he missed potential game-winning 39-yard FG 11 minutes earlier. Jeff Feagles put three of his six punts down inside 20.

COACHING: B+

Jim Fassel’s relentless upbeat nature has to help. Perfect use of 2-point conversion and smart call as well. Someone should tell Jim that he’s allowed to have an easy Sunday now and then.