The New York Giants went to Tennessee on the back a disappointing loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars last week while the Titans were blown out by the division-rival Texans. With both teams shifting thought to the season's end and future roster improvements, each passing week is becoming an audition for most of the players to see where they stand.
In this audition the Giants will be the happier set of players as they handed the Titans a third straight defeat of more than two scores and extended their losing streak to seven. The Giants ended their own eight-game losing run and will look to end the season on a high.
Lets look at three performances that stood out.
New York Giants – Performances of Note
Jason Pierre-Paul, DE: +5.2
Breakdown: After a run of 5 weeks without a +1.0 grade, Jason Pierre Paul was back to his dominant ways. Pierre-Paul was able to take advantage of the Titans having to play two third string tackles for most of the game, as he recorded two sacks and three hurries.
Signature Play: 2Q 13:38. On a play that was nullified due to a illegal hands to the face by right tackle Terren Jones on Pierre-Paul, he is able to beat Jones quickly on an inside move and deliver a hit to Zach Mettenberger.
Devon Kennard, LB: +2.6
Breakdown: While all the praise for the Giants rookie class has gone to Odell Beckham Jr. and for the right reasons, Devon Kennard is also showing promising signs over the past four weeks. Against the Titans Dennard recorded two sacks and two stops in the run game.
Signature Play: 1Q 1:18. Kennard is able to beat Jackie Battle to the outside and hit the throwing arm of Zach Mettenberger for the strip sack.
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB: +2.6
Breakdown: With the Titans having to play this game without two of their top three wide receivers, Dominiaue Rodgers-Cromartie was able to take advantage and shut down the left side of the defense. He was only targeted five times and allowed a measly 17 yards, while recording what would have been pick six if it wasn’t for a penalty on Damontre Moore.
Signature Stat: Among cornerbacks in Week 14, Rodgers-Cromartie has the allowed the lowest QB rating when targeted at just 26.7.
Tennessee Titans – Performances of Note
Jurrell Casey, DE: +5.8
Breakdown: At his best, Jurrell Casey is one of the top interior defensive linemen and while he hasn’t been quite at that level for the whole season, he has shown that elite play. Against the Giants was an example as he was a consistent force against the Giants offensive line, recording two hits and five hurries.
Signature Play: 1Q 14:27. Casey Swims past William Beatty quickly to record a hit on Eli Manning.
Jason McCourty, CB: -4.6
Breakdown: This season has been a big disappointment for Jason McCourty. Since 2010 McCourty has finished in the top 20 for cornerbacks every season, however, this year he is currently the 91st placed overall corner. Against the Giants he was asked to shadow Beckham Jr. for the majority of the game and he was often beaten, allpwing nine catches for 122 yards and a TD.
Signature Stat: McCourty allowed 3.71 yards per coverage snap, which was easily the highest of the week.
Brandon Harris, CB: +3.0
Breakdown: With fellow cornerback McCourty struggling against the Giants, Brandon Harris stepped up and was a strong point in the Titans secondary. Harris gave up very little room to the Giants receivers; he only gave up 41 yards on five catches, while recording two pass deflections.
Signature Play: 3Q 00:45. Harris is able to stay tightly with Beckham Jr. and able to knock the ball away before Beckham Jr. can make the catch
PFF Game Ball
In a losing effort the PFF Game ball goes to Jurrell Casey as he was clearly the best player on the field as the Giants had no way of slowing him down.
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