The 4-2 Washington Redskins are coming off back-to-back, hard-fought wins at home having beaten the Carolina Panthers 23-17 and their division rival, the Dallas Cowboys 20-17. Now Washington will attempt consistency by beating a 1-6 New York Giants team that has had the Redskins’ number in recent years… especially at MetLife Stadium.
The Burgundy and Gold tend to baffle those watching with their disappointing road performances against the Giants. Washington is an abysmal 2-8 in its last 10 matchups against New York when playing in Big Blue’s home stadium. One thing is for certain though… despite the Giants awful record, they have dangerous talent that will present a problem if the Redskins take them lightly.
Here’s a look at a couple of goals Washington must meet if the team wants to extend its NFC East Division lead this Sunday:
1. Run the Football
Head Coach Jay Gruden has struggled to find a happy medium that can produce enough success to have the consistency needed offensively. In his team’s four wins this season, the Redskins offensive line has played a more physical brand of football when it has started by blocking for Washington’s physically imposing running back, Adrian Peterson, early on.
With Washington’s injuries at wide receiver, it will be imperative for the Redskins to be physical and pound the rock consistently. Imposing their will by firing off the ball tends to improve their efforts in the passing game. Washington is 4-0 when they rush the ball 25 or more times . In those wins, the Redskins have a combined 137 carries for 610 yards and three touchdowns.
2. Dominate the Line of Scrimmage Defensively
Giants QB Eli Manning has been sacked 24 times in 2018, the most of his career through the first seven games of a season. His offensive line has continued to struggle to consistently open holes for the run game and failed to give Manning time to find his receivers down the field.
Using his veteran OLBs (Ryan Kerrigan and Preston Smith) and his young Alabama “wall” of DL-men (Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne), Redskins defensive coordinator Greg Manusky must continue to dial up plays that will force Manning to make poor decisions with the football. Manusky’s squad has been an opportunistic so far this season, averaging two turnovers in their last three games.
Washington’s defensive unit ranks fifth in yards (325.7), seventh in points allowed per game (20.2) and third against the run (87.3). With a dangerous running back like New York’s Saquon Barkley, the Redskins must play in the Giants backfield, forcing them to be one dimensional. This will lead to the defense providing more opportunity for Washington QB Alex Smith and the offense.