Combination Unlocks the Offense

The New York Giants’ new backfield has turned them into big winners.

Danny Kanell was efficient in his first start at quarterback in place of injured Dave Brown and former third-string running back Tyrone Wheatley had 103 yards in 22 carries Sunday and scored the touchdown that sealed a 27-13 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

Wheatley’s effort was the first time in 24 games that a Giant had rushed for 100 yards.

Fullback Charles Way almost got there too. He had 91 yards in 13 tries.

“The running game was unbelievable,” said Kanell, who was 13 of 28 passing for 198 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

“If there’s any story to write about this game, it’s the offensive line. They made my job so much easier, and any time you can run the ball, it opens up the passing game.”

Kanell’s nine-yard touchdown pass to David Patten in the third quarter broke a 6-6 tie and the Giants (4-3) went on to their third consecutive victory under first-year Coach Jim Fassel, who was Arizona’s offensive coordinator last year.

Kanell came in after Brown left with a chest injury last week to lead the Giants to a victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Wheatley was forced into action after injuries to the Giants’ top two running backs, Rodney Hampton and Tiki Barber.

Arizona (1-5) lost quarterback Kent Graham to a sprained right ankle in the second quarter, and Stoney Case, a third-year player, saw his first extended NFL action.

In the final minute, the Cardinals blocked a punt, and Case scored on a one-yard sneak with 53 seconds left.