By Dan Duggan | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The Giants were embarrassed in a 51-17 loss to the Rams on Sunday. While the entire performance qualifies as a dud, there were a few bright spots. Here's a look at the best and worst performances from Sunday's game:

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TE Evan Engram: Stud

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Danielle Parhizkaran | USA TODAY Sports

Engram is one of the few reasons to watch the final eight games. The first-round pick continues to emerge as the team's best receiving option since Odell Beckham Jr.'s season-ending injury.

Engram had four catches for 70 yards, including a 10-yard touchdown catch on a jump ball in the fourth quarter. Engram fought for an extra yardage on a 21-yard catch and he had a 26-yard gain on a seam route.

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RB Orleans Darkwa: Stud

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THE GIANTS HAVE A RUN GAME! pic.twitter.com/QqIp4oOG2V — National Caucasian Distributor of Cold Takes (@EthanGSN) November 5, 2017

Darkwa came charging out of the gates with three carries for 35 yards, including a 24-yard burst, on the Giants' opening drive. He continued to run well, but the score got so out of hand that the Giants had to abandon the run. Darkwa finished with 16 carries for 71 yards (4.4 ypc) and is averaging 5.1 yards per carry this season.

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DE Avery Moss: Stud

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Moss got sealed outside by left tackle Andrew Whitworth on Todd Gurley's 36-yard on the Rams' first play. The Giants had Moss and Jason Pierre-Paul switch sides after that play, and Moss performed well the rest of the way. The fifth-round pick had six tackles, two quarterback hits and a pass deflection while displaying a motor that wasn't evident in most of his teammates.

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WR Sterling Shepard: Stud

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Bill Kostroun | AP Photo

Shepard failed to haul in a few catchable passes, but still finished with five catches for 70 yards in his return from a sprained ankle. Shepard got free deep for a 37-yard catch in the fourth quarter and he would have had a 75-yard touchdown in the second quarter if Eli Manning's pass was on the mark.

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Takeaways from the loss

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Coach Ben McAdoo: Dud

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Danny Wild | USA TODAY Sports

McAdoo oddly didn't answer when asked what his halftime message was to his team. That was fitting, because the Giants' uninspiring performance left many speechless.

It was one thing when it was just McAdoo's offensive schemes that were subject to scrutiny. But now his capability to handle the head-coaching duties has come into question.

Discipline problems continue to arise, while McAdoo struggles to maintain control. Players clearly aren't responding, as they were blown out at home after a bye.

There are plenty of reasons for the Giants' 1-7 start, but the blame starts with McAdoo.

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QB Eli Manning: Dud

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Good god, Eli. pic.twitter.com/Rdm6KGS1z5 — National Caucasian Distributor of Cold Takes (@EthanGSN) November 5, 2017

Manning got little help from his receivers, who dropped several catchable passes. But Manning missed too many throws.

He over-threw a wide-open Shepard on a would-be 75-yard touchdown early in the second quarter and then over-shot Tavarres King on a potential touchdown late in the second quarter. Manning threw his interception directly to Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson. Manning also lost a fumble when he was strip-sacked by Aaron Donald on the opening possession. Manning has put the ball on the ground six times and lost three fumbles this season.

If the Giants are going to have a shot to compete, they need Manning to perform like a franchise quarterback with a $19.7 million cap hit. He didn't perform close to that level on Sunday.

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Eli not giving up starting job

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CB Eli Apple: Dud

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There is ZERO reason to keep anyone from the coaching staff. Zero. Burn it down. pic.twitter.com/vP25Ar1hd5 — National Caucasian Distributor of Cold Takes (@EthanGSN) November 5, 2017

Apple's lack of effort on the 52-yard touchdown catch-and-run by Robert Woods was appalling. Apple inexplicably appeared to avoid attempting to tackle Woods as the Rams receiver sped by on his way to the end zone.

Apple also appeared to be at fault on Woods' 4-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter. The rest of the defense played man-to-man while Apple stayed put in a zone as Woods ran free across the end zone. Apple and safety Landon Collins had a coverage breakdown on a 44-yard pass to tight end Gerald Everett.

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S Landon Collins: Dud

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John Mara sings kumbaya and preaches the "Giants way". Steve Tisch tries his hardest to get on TMZ. Their team does this. Fire everyone. pic.twitter.com/EfxLl8eCMp — National Caucasian Distributor of Cold Takes (@EthanGSN) November 5, 2017

Collins hasn't recaptured his All-Pro form from last season. Sunday was a painful flashback to Collins' rough rookie season in 2015.

The Rams exploited Collins in coverage, with Sammy Watkins easily getting behind the safety for a 67-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Collins also was in coverage with Apple on the 44-yard pass to Everett.

Collins took a bad angle on the 52-yard touchdown pass to Woods and he was called for an unnecessary roughness penalty to cap a brutal day.

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Mara not happy with result

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James Kratch | NJ Advance Media

Dan Duggan may be reached at dduggan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DDuggan21. Find our Giants coverage on Facebook.