Keys to victory
1 Contain Pierre-Paul » With fellow ends Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck unlikely to play Sunday, Jason Pierre-Paul is the most dangerous end. He’s still raw, but he’s talented and good enough to have recorded 12.5 sacks. He had a strong game vs. Trent Williams in the opener. Now he’ll go against backup tackles, whether he lines up on the left or right side.
2 Keep attacking » There’s no doubt that they will considering how poor the Giants’ defense has played. They’re allowing 4.7 yards a carry as linebacker has been a problem area. But the secondary has been plagued by communication issues, which is one reason they’ve allowed 56 pass plays of 20 yards or more. Rookie corner Prince Amukamara hasn’t been healthy all season while corner Aaron Ross has lost a step. But keep in mind: Ross and fellow corner Corey Webster have combined for eight interceptions.
| Related |
|
|
|
|
3 Limit the receivers » New York has big-play wideouts in Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks. They’ve combined for eight 100-yard receiving days this season (compared to just two 100-yard rushing days by the backs). The Giants have an NFL-best 15 pass plays of 40 yards or more and Cruz and Nicks have combined for 32 plays of 20 yards or more. Only five teams have allowed more 20-yard completions than Washington this season.
Three matchups
LB Ryan Kerrigan
The Redskins never use just one guy on a TE, but Kerrigan will have his chances.
vs.
TE Jake Ballard
He has 37 catches, averaging 15.9 yards per grab, and four touchdowns. He’s dangerous.
DE Stephen Bowen
He’s coming off one of his best games and has a career-best five sacks.
vs.
LG Mitch Petrus
He’ll be making his third NFL start Sunday, but he’s held his own in the first two.
FS Reed Doughty
He had two bad plays vs. the Giants in the opener and it hurt the defense.
vs.
QB Eli Manning
He’ll attack down the field and will use his eyes and play-action fakes to fool Doughty.
Expert’s Take
“You look at Rex Grossman and he’s been a streaky player his entire career. I’ve seen games where he’s come out and you say, ‘This guy is pretty good.’ And the next week he’ll have three or four interceptions. But if he avoids turnovers, he’s got the talent. And now with Roy Helu rushing, it gives them a running game. So they’ve got a chance to put points on the board.”
– “Fox NFL Sunday” analyst Jimmy Johnson
Examiner predicts …
The teams have played a combined 15 games decided by a touchdown or less. We expect another such game, but Manning is the difference.
Giants 28, Redskins 24
