OVERALL
Sunday’s game was another example of why the Texans are the worst team in the NFL. The offense was terrible in the first half with three points. The defense was terrific, allowing one touchdown.
In the second half, the offense produced one touchdown and two field goals. The defense allowed two touchdowns and one field goal. It added up to another one-score defeat.
Grade: C
Quarterbacks
Davis Mills and Pep Hamilton can’t put four quarters together. In the first half, Mills completed 6-of-13 for 35 yards. In the second half, he was 22-of-37 for 284 yards with one touchdown pass and one interception.
He had another touchdown pass called back because of a holding penalty on rookie left guard Kenyon Green. Mills made a terrible decision on his interception, trying to find Phillip Dorsett in the end zone from 29 yards away. He threw into double coverage, and his pass was intercepted. If Mills and Hamilton discover a way to have a productive passing game from start to finish, the Texans might win another game or two.
Grade: C-minus
Running backs
Dameon Pierce carried 17 times for 94 yards, including a 44-yard run in the first half. He averaged 5.5 yards a carry. He lost a crucial fumble from the Giants’ 10 on the second play of the fourth quarter when the Texans were behind 21-10. Pierce carried 10 times for 66 yards in the first half and 7 for 28 in the second. He also caught two passes for 28 yards. Rex Burkhead also had two receptions for 28 yards and Dare Ogunbowale one for 13.
Grade: B-minus
Wide receivers
Brandin Cooks returned from his one-game absence that kept him from being a team captain. He caught four passes for 37 yards, including one for a 25-yard gain. Nico Collins returned from a groin injury and finished with five catches for 49 yards, including a 12-yard touchdown. In all, the receivers combined for 14 receptions and 178 yards, a productive afternoon.
Grade: B
Tight ends
Jordan Akins proved again Pep Hamilton and Davis Mills need to get the ball to him more often. He was the only tight end with a reception. He finished with three for 72 yards, including a 46-yard catch and run. Mills threw him a short pass, and Akins broke through the defense for the team’s longest play of the game. O.J. Howard had a holding call that produced offsetting penalties that would have given the Texans a first down at the Giants’ 1 with 2:30 left and down 21-10.
Grade: C-plus
Offensive line
Another defensive tackle crushed the interior offensive line. This time it was Dexter Lawrence. Kenyon Green was called for holding to wipe out a Mills touchdown pass. He also had one that was declined. Green, center Scott Quessenberry and right guard A.J. Cann had a tough game. Laremy Tunsil had a false start. Davis Mills was sacked four times, but not all of them were on the line.
Grade: C-minus
Defensive line
The linemen played exceptional run defense in the first half but got worn down in the second. The Giants finished with 191 yards rushing, including 152 by Saquon Barkley on a career-high 35 carries. Jerry Hughes recorded his eighth sack and had two tackles for loss. Rasheem Green contributed one-half sack. Obo Okoronkwo made two tackles for loss.
Grade: C
Linebackers
They played better in the first half than the second. Like the linemen, they did a good job against the run in the first two quarters. Christian Kirksey had one-half sack and was in on eight tackles, one fewer than rookie Christian Harris, who led the defense with nine. They didn’t get burned on coverage in this game.
Grade: C-plus
Secondary
They didn’t have a takeaway. They left receivers open. Jalen Pitre missed a tackle that allowed the Giants to score a touchdown. They played decent run defense, especially in the first half. Jonathan Owens led the team with 12 tackles.
Grade: C-minus
Special teams
Cam Johnston punted five times and finished with a 45.8-yard average and a 45.4 net. He put two inside the 20. Ka’imi Fairbairn connected on field goals of 38, 34 and 46 yards. The Giants didn’t return any of his four kickoffs. Coverage was solid, and returns were good.
Grade: B-plus
Coaching
Let’s break this down by each half. In the first half, Pep Hamilton’s passing game was F-minus miserable. Lovie Smith’s defense allowed one touchdown on the first drive and shut down the Giants for the rest of the half. In the second half, Hamilton’s offense came alive and produced one touchdown, two field goals and two turnovers that could have been touchdowns. Smith’s defense surrendered two touchdowns and one field goal. Imagine what the Texans would be capable of doing if they could play a complete game on both sides of the ball. Once again, Frank Ross’ special teams were consistent from start to finish.
Grade: C-minus
John McClain can be heard Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday on Sports Radio 610 and Monday and Thursday on Texans Radio. He does three Houtopia Podcasts a week for SportsRadio610. He also can be read four times a week on GallerySports.com.