OFFENSE: A
After punting on their first two possessions, the Giants scored on their final six non-victory formation drives. Jaxson Dart impressively responded from his worst game as a pro last Sunday (7-for-13, 33 yards, five sacks, INT in a 16-13 loss to Minnesota). He completed 22 of 30 passes for 207 yards (no touchdowns or picks), rushed for two touchdowns and 48 yards on nine carries (the last three were kneels) and was sacked only twice. Dart used his legs wisely and avoided any injury scares. Wan’Dale Robinson had a season-high 11 catches for 113 yards, surpassing 1,000 yards in a season for the first time. The Giants went 7-for-14 on third- and fourth-down conversions against a Maxx Crosby-less Raiders defense.
DEFENSE: A
The Giants allowed a season-low 231 total yards and a season-low 63 rushing yards. They also had two interceptions, the first a pivotal moment in a scoreless game late in the first quarter. The Raiders had second-and-7 at the Giants’ 12 when Bobby Okereke jumped in front of Michael Mayer to intercept Geno Smith. Okereke’s 47-yard return set up Devin Singletary’s 1-yard touchdown run five plays later. Dane Belton also intercepted Smith early in the fourth quarter. Deonte Banks lost Tyler Lockett on fourth-and-goal on the Raiders’ only touchdown, which cut the Giants’ lead to 20-10 late in the third quarter, but made up for it on the ensuing kickoff. The Giants had four sacks, led by Brian Burns’ 1 1/2.
SPECIAL TEAMS: A+
Banks’ 95-yard kickoff return touchdown was the dagger, giving the Giants a 27-10 lead. Rookie kicker Ben Sauls was perfect in his second NFL game, making two field goals (32 and 23 yards) and four extra points, including a 48-yarder after an unsportsmanlike conduct. Jamie Gillan punted twice for an average of 44 yards.
COACHING: B+
The Giants likely lost their shot at the No. 1 pick, but kudos to interim coach Mike Kafka for earning his first NFL win. Kafka, who has just one more game at the helm, put Dart in positions to succeed with his legs. Interim defensive coordinator Charlie Bullen also was aggressive in pressuring Smith. Pete Carroll’s Raiders, missing both their Pro Bowlers in Crosby and Brock Bowers, played a miserable game.
Ben Dickson is Newsday Sports’ general assignment reporter. He joined Newsday’s high school sports staff in 2023 after graduating from Maryland, where he covered several of the Terrapins’ teams.
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