Dottino: Game Balls And Gassers From Giants' First Victory

By Paul Dottino
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Several Giants admitted after Sunday's victory that it was, indeed, a must-win game.

The 30-17 triumph over the Houston Texans (2-1) lifted the Giants to 1-2 going into Thursday's game in Washington.

The Giants still have a couple of things to clean up, but they executed well -- for the most part -- and sat back while a substandard Houston team (without injured Arian Foster) proved it did not have enough to pull off a victory. The Giants ran the ball (42 for 193 yards, 1 TD), contained the Texans' running game (25 for 119, but 46 on one inconsequential Andrew Blue dash) and won the turnover battle (plus-2) while Eli Manning (21-for-28, 234 with 2 TDs) managed the game.

Let's get to this week's review:

GAME BALLS

Offense -- RB Rashad Jennings: He ran with power and speed and redeemed himself after a tough game the week before against Arizona. Jennings responded with career highs of 34 carries and 176 yards, including a 1-yard TD run that made it 14-0 late in the first half. Jennings did a very good job of running for extra yards after contact and rumbled for 13 of the offense's 24 first downs. His ground assault allowed the Giants to hold the ball for 32:34 and permitted Manning to be patient and diverse in running the show. Honorable mention to the offensive line, which contained DE J.J. Watt (seven tackles, one sack), Manning, and WR Victor Cruz (5 catches-107 yards, 1 TD).

Defense -- CB Trumaine McBride: McBride made one of the most clutch, albeit unsung plays of the game. And so we'll pass on MLB Jameel McClain (team-leading 11 tackles, 1/2 sack), DE Jason Pierre-Paul (seven tackles) and DBs Antrel Rolle, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Prince Amukamara (each had an interception). McBride made the tackle that stopped scrambling QB Ryan Fitzpatrick nearly a yard short on third-and-8 from the Houston 29 with 10:57 to play. The hit forced the Texans, trailing 20-10 at the time, to punt -- Damontre Moore blocked it -- and they never were in the game again.

Special Teams -- DE Damontre Moore: He earned his first blocked punt of the season, using power to push back Danieal Manning and closing in on P Shane Lechler for the block that allowed the Giants to take over at the Houston 29 with 10:31 left in the game. Three plays later, Manning hit TE Daniel Fells with a 9-yard TD pass for a 27-10 lead.

GASSERS

Offense -- TE Larry Donnell: OK, we understand that he caught all six passes thrown his way for 45 yards. And he also did an admirable blocking job. BUT, Donnell also allowed FS Kendrick Lewis to strip him of a reception at the Houston 4 late in the first quarter. CB Johnathan Joseph recovered, but the Texans punted the ball following a three-and-out.

Defense -- S Stevie Brown: Brown was benched following Damaris Johnson's 44-yard TD catch on a post pattern that brought the Texans within 17-10 with 2:13 left in the third quarter. McBride had coverage on Johnson, who ran a left post and easily got behind McBride and Brown, who appeared to get caught guessing on a different route/target and vacated his over-the-top responsibility in deep center field. Brown turned his hips the wrong way and by the time he recovered, it was way too late and Johnson was headed for the end zone. Fifth-rounder Nat Berhe entered the game in the fourth quarter.

Special teams -- LS Zak DeOssie: He practically rolled a snap to holder Steve Weatherford on Josh Brown's 29-yard field-goal attempt on the third snap of the second quarter. The game was scoreless when DeOssie's snap went beyond the kicker, who ran backward and was able to down the ball at the Houston 41. DeOssie is a two-time Pro Bowl snapper, but he was a bit erratic last season, too.

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