Niner Noise
FanSided

NFL power rankings: 32-team overreactions heading into Week 2

By Peter Panacy

FOXBOROUGH, MA - SEPTEMBER 09: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots celebrates after a touchdown by Phillip Dorsett #13 (not pictured) during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - SEPTEMBER 09: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots celebrates after a touchdown by Phillip Dorsett #13 (not pictured) during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – SEPTEMBER 09: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants hands off to Saquon Barkley #26 in the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at MetLife Stadium on September 9, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – SEPTEMBER 09: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants hands off to Saquon Barkley #26 in the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at MetLife Stadium on September 9, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images) /

team. 31. . L, 20-15 vs. Jaguars. Previous: . New York Giants. 21

Like the Seahawks, the New York Giants’ season opener revealed some telling things about the team’s prospects heading into 2018.

Rookie running back Saquon Barkley is going to be very good. He was electric against a stout Jacksonville Jaguars defense, rushing for over 100 yards, a touchdown and averaging 5.9 yards per attempt. And All-Pro wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. looks to be fully recovered from a frustrating and injury-riddled 2017 campaign. He had 111 yards on 11 receptions.

Beckham could have impacted the score sheet, though, but quarterback Eli Manning missed him on a number of key opportunities throughout.

Manning wasn’t particularly great, failing to toss a touchdown while being picked off by Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack. And Manning’s protection wasn’t all that good either, particularly on the right side where offensive tackle Ereck Flowers continues to be a liability.

At least the G-Men outgained Jacksonville 324 yards to 305, so that’s a plus. But Manning will have to perform at a better level to ensure the Giants’ 2017 woes don’t spill over into this season.