Eli Manning leads Giants over St. Louis

Associated Press

E. RUTHERFORD, N.J.

Eli Manning threw two touchdown passes and linebacker Michael Boley scored on a 65-yard fumble return to lead the New York Giants to a 28-16 victory over the mistake-prone St. Louis Rams on Monday night.

Manning hit Hakeem Nicks with a 3-yard TD pass and Domenik Hixon made a spectacular juggling grab on a 22-yard score as New York (1-1) gave Tom Coughlin a win over Steve Spagnuolo in their first matchup since the one-time Giants defensive coordinator left to take over as coach of the Rams (0-2).

This one was ugly with mistakes by the Rams giving New York a much-needed win after a disappointing loss to Washington in the season opener.

Sam Bradford threw a touchdown pass and Josh Brown kicked three short field goals for the Rams, who moved up and down the field except in the red zone.

The Giants scored touchdowns while holding the Rams to field goals until 1:18 remained in the third quarter. Danario Alexander made a leaping 19-yard touchdown reception at that point, bringing St. Louis within 12 points.

The Giants’ third-period touchdown was a 9-yard run by Brandon Jacobs that capped an 81-yard drive. A 15-yard facemask penalty on Rams linebacker Ben Leber and Ahmad Bradshaw’s 23-yard gain with a screen pass were keys to the series.

Earlier, Hakeem Nicks caught a 3-yard touchdown pass.

On Boley’s score, Bradford’s backward pass went off Cadillac Williams’ hands and Williams stood up straight as Boley pursued the ball on the ground. Nobody could catch Boley as he made it 14-6.

It was the first TD of Boley’s seven-year career.