The New York Giants haven’t blown out opponents this season, but that hasn’t stopped them from picking up wins. At 5-2, they are looking every bit better than critics thought they would after their defense took several hits this preseason.
On Sunday, the Giants took on a sad Miami Dolphins team that is looking more towards Andrew Luck than the Super Bowl. For New York, a game against the winless Dolphins was an opportunity to pad their record. While the Dolphins started off impressively, they fell flat in the end, losing 20-17.
Here are the Giants stars from Week 8:
Eli Manning: This was an extremely efficient game from Manning, who was 31-for-45 with 349 yards and two touchdowns. His 25-yard touchdown pass to Victor Cruz with just over five minutes left proved to be the game winner. It came with enough time left on the board that Manning didn’t have to force anything with the chance of never seeing the ball again.
Victor Cruz: How many people thought there would be a day when Cruz would be just as, if not more, efficient on a regular basis as Mario Manningham? Not many, if any, other than Cruz himself. Cruz had another big game, falling one yard short of the century mark and added a touchdown. His seven catches led both teams.
Corey Webster: I’d be remiss if I didn’t preface this last selection without mentioning the names Mathias Kiwanuka (two sacks), Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck, Linval Joseph and Osi Umenyiora (one sack apiece). Webster is having a great season lining up against opponent’s top wideouts. His interception with two minutes left on fourth and long sealed the win for the Giants. It was just a smart play, where Webster read Miami quarterback Matt Moore all the way, undercutting Brandon Marshall to snatch the ball away.