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KEYS TO VICTORY
1. Stop the pass rush » The Giants have one of the most feared pass rushes in the league with 31 sacks. It starts with ends Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck, who have combined for 151⁄2. Which means the tackles must have a strong game. Tuck is a mismatch vs. RT Jammal Brown, so help will be needed on this side. LT Trent Williams has been inconsistent and must be careful against Umenyiora. The Giants will blitz.
2. Run the ball » This will be difficult, too, as New York allows just 100.2 rushing yards per game (ninth in the NFL). But the Redskins have no chance to win if they aren’t at least able to commit to the run and squeeze out three yards a carry. That will be difficult behind a line that has been inconsistent at best in this area and with inexperienced backs. But the passing game depends on the run game’s success.
3. Beware the two-headed ground game » New York can pound the ball with Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw and the Redskins have not done a good job stopping teams on the ground. Bradshaw has fumbling issues, but he also averages 4.7 yards per run (with 917 yards for the season); Jacobs gets 5.2 per carry (with 474 yards). With New York’s line ailing, and with two starting receivers possibly out, the Redskins need to make the Giants one-dimensional. Can they?
KEY MATCHUPS
| Redskins | Giants | |
|
PR Brandon Banks » To spring an upset, Banks will need to change field position — or score. |
vs. | P Matt Dodge » The Giants’ punt coverage ranks 30th in the NFL, allowing 13.0 yards per return. |
| NG Maake Kemoeatu » He’s coming off one of his worst games; Kemoeatu needs to occupy more blockers. | vs. | C Rich Seubert » Shifted from guard because of injuries at center; solid player and veteran starter. |
| RG Will Montgomery » He’s stronger than Artis Hicks, whom he replaces in the starting lineup. Good battler. | vs. | DT Barry Cofield » Doesn’t get much credit with high-profile sack artists around him, but a good run stopper. |
STATE OF THE TEAMS
GIANTS » New York is trying to avoid another season with a second-half collapse. Rallying to beat Jacksonville slowed that talk, but it’ll return if they can’t win Sunday. They’re hurting along the offensive line and at receiver.
REDSKINS » Washington is hanging on to its playoff hopes, knowing that another loss would all but kill its postseason chances. The Redskins, at 5-6, need to win five straight to have a realistic shot. They need to find a running game to dream of that scenario.
EXAMINER PREDICTS …
The Redskins always have reasons they should win in New York; they never do. The Giants’ defensive line and running game
is enough.
Giants 23, Redskins 17
