New York Giants vs. Washington Redskins: What's the Game Plan for New York?
Knowing a loss in Washington can bring them even atop the NFC East with the Washington Redskins, expect the New York Giants to play their best game on Sunday afternoon.
A classic rivalry gets another installment, this time featuring two mediocre teams battling for positioning within the division. Though neither team is a world-beater at this point of the season, the game holds huge ramifications for the postseason.
The Redskins know this is the biggest game of their season, as the chance to pull even atop the division amid all of their chaos and drama would be a stunning feat. They'll be well-motivated, making this game one that could have a playoff feel to it.
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Offensive Game Plan
Protect Eli
The Giants may throw together a makeshift offensive line on Sunday afternoon, according to Paul Schwartz of the New York Post:
If Weston Richburg doesn't play, which he isn't expected to, the Giants will be down two starting linemen.
The good news, however, is that the Redskins don't have a feared pass rush. They rank No. 27 in the NFL, with 17 sacks on the season, and shouldn't be able to cause too much damage to Manning.
Still, the large shift in personnel brings the fear that even a poor pass-rushing attack for Washington can get going and be able to force Manning into some tough throws.
Spread the Wealth
Zach Braziller of the New York Post is unsure if wide receiver Hakeem Nicks will suit up to begin his second tour with the Giants:
Still, there seem to be some positive reports coming from the Giants' practice facility this week.
Regardless of whether Nicks plays, the Giants have to spread the ball out on offense and get everyone involved. While Odell Beckham Jr. is the superstar, the Giants have capable players who can all pitch in a few productive touches.
A well-balanced attack will keep the Redskins off balance and will let the Giants flourish on offense.
Defensive Game Plan
Pressure Cousins
Aside from a pass deflection, defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul put up an empty stat line in New York's latest game against the Patriots. He has yet to record a sack on the season in his two games since returning from injury, but he's shown positive strides.
Now it's time for him to put it all together and show his progress.
After two full weeks of practice, JPP should be a huge factor on Sunday. He has the capability to stuff the running game and also make Washington QB Kirk Cousins make mistakes. Pierre-Paul is arguably the most important player for the Giants this week against the Redskins.
Avoid the Home Run
Giants fans know the playmaking ability of DeSean Jackson all too well from his time in Philadelphia. As a member of the Eagles, Jackson would terrorize the Giants with his huge, game-breaking plays.
He's fully healthy now and is coming off his best game of the season. In their loss to the Panthers, Jackson racked up his most catches (five), targets (eight) and yards (87). He also scored his first touchdown of the year.
While the Giants' CBs will have trouble keeping pace with Jackson on deep routes, it'll be up to the safeties to give them some help over the top and keep him in check.
Key Players and Matchups
Jordan Reed
It looks as if Redskins tight end Jordan Reed is ready to go on Sunday, which means trouble for the Giants.
With an undermanned linebacking corps also bereft of talent, the Giants will need to pay close attention to Reed in the middle of the field.
Reed leads the Skins in receptions (47) and touchdowns (six), making him Cousins' most reliable target when he needs to move the sticks. He's also frequently targeted in the red zone.
Jasper Brinkley and Co. are going to have their hands full, and holding Reed in check will be a huge key. He had six catches and 96 yards in the first meeting between the two teams and looks to be 100 percent healthy after his sprained MCL a week ago.
Matt Jones
Rookie running back Matt Jones has slowed down considerably in recent weeks, totaling a season-low five carries last week against Carolina and failing to rush for a yard.
Still, he has the potential to be explosive when utilized, such as his 78-yard receiving touchdown two weeks ago against the Saints. He finished that game with 131 yards on three catches.
The Giants have historically struggled with containing running backs in the passing game and this weekend may be no different. Think of Jones as an inverse Shane Vereen, where he is a better runner but not as heavily used in the aerial attack, though he possesses more game-breaking ability.
Prediction
This season, the Giants have seemed to play well in the games they had no business being in and losing the games they were supposed to run away with. Rather than playing down to their opponents' level this weekend, however, I think they'll take care of business.
Big Blue is the better team and, although they are on the road against a motivated team, they should be able to fend off their division mates.
With an ineffective rushing attack and a shaky quarterback, the Redskins aren't a reliable team right now. They have some talent on the roster, but they aren't consistent enough to be counted on to come up clutch in a huge game.
Eli Manning and Odell Beckham will dominate, and the Giants pass rush will finally see some positive results in the box score. Kirk Cousins will struggle, and the Giants will cruise to an easy victory to create some space between them and the others in the NFC East heading into the final stretch.
Giants 29, Redskins 16
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