The following is an abridged version of our longer article which appears in the current week's 12-page "double issue."

OFFENSE (A-)
What has been the key for the Giants offense? We give the credit to the offensive line, clearly this team's mid-season MVP in our opinion. Through seven games, they have only allowed eight sacks (seven on Eli Manning and one on Jared Lorenzen in garbage time). They have also given Manning so much time to throw the ball that the quarterback could probably sneak in a cup of soup and a sandwich, if he wanted.

The Giants have pretty much balanced their play calling between run and pass on first down (234 pass attempts and 193 rushes). They are averaging 11.0 yards per pass completion and 4.6 yards per rush attempt on first down, with an average gain of 6.5 yards on first down alone.

Why is that statistic significant? Well out of 450 offensive play (thorough seven games), the Giants have had only 91 third down plays. What that means is they're coming up with (and converting) a lot of second and short situations which gives offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride the option to run or pass on second down, hence keeping the opponent off balance.

QUARTERBACK (B)
When one looks at Eli Manning's place in the various quarterback standings, he's not yet a top five quarterback. However, what we found interesting is that Manning gets stronger as the game wears on, saving his best for the fourth quarter. This is significant because the Giants offensive approach is to grind the ball and wear down defenses with the running game. Come the fourth quarter, opponents are generally so winded that they just can't keep up with the Giants' offensive attack.

RUNNING BACKS (A)
Tiki who? The questions have FINALLY stopped about how the Giants are going to replace Tiki Barber thanks to the trio of Derrick Ward, Brandon Jacobs and Reuben Droughns, each of whom has carved out a niche for himself — Ward as the all-purpose runner, Jacobs as the outside man and Droughns as the short-yardage back.

TIGHT ENDS (B)
When one thinks of the Giants tight ends, they, of course, think of Jeremy Shockey, whose role in the pass receiving offense has declined steadily over the years by design. He's been asked to block the majority of the time, something he just so happens to do well. In fact, when one signs the praises of the offensive line, you have to include Shockey in the group given the number of flawless seal blocks he's executed on some of his teammates' longer runs from scrimmage.

RECEIVERS (B)
Through seven games, Plaxico Burress is tied for second in the league (with Cincinnati’s T.J. Houshmandzadeh) scoring lead among non-kickers with 48 points; is the NFC leader in scoring for non-kickers, and is sixth in the league in the receiving yards. Imagine what he might be able to do if he could actually practice during the week?

If there is one negative to this group, it's that they don't have a true third down receiver who can scare an opposing defense. 

OFFENSIVE LINE (A+)
Our choice for mid-season MVP honors, this unit represents a classic example of the whole being greater that the sum of the parts.

DEFENSE (B+)
When we recall how Spagnuolo told the media that his message to his players who hgad surrendered 80 points in two games was to "stay the course," we realize now that it was the right thing to do. Remember in the preseason, many members of the base defense barely had an opportunity to play with each other. Throw in the substitutions and special packages, and it was no surprise that this unit initially struggled. 

DEFENSIVE LINE (B+)
The only player we feel has been really creating excitement on a consistent basis has been Justin Tuck. If Tuck's not sacking the quarterback, he's putting pressure on him — most of his damage by the way coming from the defensive tackle spot as part of a rotation which lines up Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora at end, and Tuck and Mathias Kiwanuka at tackle.

LINEBACKERS (B)
This is great example of a unit that's coming together at the right time.

DEFENSIVE BACKS (B)
Thankfully the coaching staff inserted rookie Aaron Ross into the lineup early on to salvage what was starting to look like a hopeless cause for the defensive secondary.

SPECIAL TEAMS (C)
If there is a weak link to this team, special teams, once the pride and joy, would be it. We still think the Giants kicking game is going to come back to cost them a must-have game somewhere along the line.

COACHING (A-)
Sure, Tom Coughlin doesn't have the personality of Jim Fassel, but give the man a ton of credit for changing his ways and becoming less stubborn.

FRONT OFFICE (A)
After Scott Pioli rejected the Giants' overtures, many Giants faithful were despondent, figuring that 2007 would be a rebuilding season with a lame duck coach, a rookie general manager in Jerry Reese, and a roster that appeared far from being solidified.

So far so good, as all but really one of Reese's off-season moves (place-kicker) have worked out. By the way, when was the last time the Giants had their entire draft class make the 53-man roster?  (We think it was 2000 when Ron Dayne, Cornelius Griffin, Ron Dixon, Brandon Short, Ralph Brown, Dhani Jones and Jeremiah Parker all made the final 53-man roster).

MID SEASON AWARDS

Offensive MVP:
The Offensive Line. Really it’s hard to give it to one guy because they’re all playing so well collectively.

Defensive MVP.
Justin Tuck.  He’s been the most consistent since day one.

Biggest Surprise.
Plaxico Burress. Practice? Who needs practice when you’re having a career year?

Biggest Disappointment.
Special Teams. Sorry but we don’t buy the injury excuse as every year this unit “rebuilds.”

Most Impressive Rookie.
Aaron Ross. Need you ask why?

Most Disappointing Rookie.
Ahmad Bradshaw. He had a chance to grab the kickoff return job and make it his own, but fumbling issues have landed him on the inactive list.

Most Improved Player.
Sam Madison. You can tell he loves this new defensive scheme just by the energy he brings to the table. (tie: Mathias Kiwanuka, who is coming along in coverage.)

Courage Award.
Derrick Ward. From what we hear, he’s dealing with a high ankle sprain, yet like Burress, he still is able to turn in an ‘A’ game every week.

Play of the Half
Osi Umenyiora’s sack, forced fumble, fumble recover and touchdown against San Francisco.

Most Underrated Player
Reuben Droughns. Valuable in short yardage and on kickoff returns, Droughns’ value is extremely underrated.