QUARTERBACKS Kurt Warner (22 of 33, 232 yards, 1 TD) hit on his first eight passes and managed the game sharply. He finally tossed a TD pass but must stop putting the ball on the ground.
RUNNING BACKS Not much room for Tiki Barber (18-42) and Ron Dayne (9-12). Memo to staff: Please, please stop being pig-headed with Dayne in short-yardage.
WIDE RECEIVERS Nothing fancy from Amani Toomer (6-54) or Ike Hilliard (4-37) but a break out of sorts from Tim Carter (3-63), who showed his speed as he notched his first TD on 38-yard post pattern.
TIGHT ENDS Jeremy Shockey (5-36) looked more in synch but he did have another drop. He’s learning to block out of the back field.
OFFENSIVE LINE No success blocking for the run (2.2-yard average) and rookie RG Chris Snee was hit with three false-start pen alties. Pass protection was acceptable at best.
DEFENSIVE LINE Hello, Fred Robbins. Suddenly, Rob bins was a playmaker, deflecting a pass into the air for an INT and adding two sacks. DEs Osi Umenyoira and Michael Stra han also recovered fumbles. Clinton Portis was limited to 69 rushing yards.
LINEBACKERS Barrett Green admitted he was disap pointed with himself last week. Not this time around. He was flying around like a demon and rewarded with a fumble recovery and return for his first NFL TD.
SECONDARY What a difference a week makes! Two INTs by S Brent Alexander and one from S Gibril Wilson. CBs Will Peterson and Will Allen came back strong and a Shaun Williams hit forced a fumble.
SPECIAL TEAMS Skins’ Chad Morton broke free for a 49-yard kickoff return and Willie Ponder committed the sin of fumbling away a kickoff. That can’t happen. David Tyree remains a wonder in coverage.
KICKING GAME Not good enough. Steve Christie made FGs of 38 and 22 yards but wasn’t close from 47 and had a 51-yarder tipped. P Jeff Feagles was not as consistent as usual.
COACHING Stop the presses. Tom Coughlin’s mouth actually formed a slight smile. The Giants didn’t get down when they struggled early, a good sign. Tim Lewis had de fense taking chances.
