Redskins Coach Shanahan on Giants: 'Hopefully We Can Step Up'

At his regular Wednesday address to the media, as seen on Redskins.com, Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan was upbeat and optimistic regarding their next opponent—reigning Super Bowl champions and NFC East rival New York Giants. 

The Skins played the Giants earlier in the season and lost 27-23 after Giants QB Eli Manning connected with WR Victor Cruz for a 77-yard TD with 1:13 remaining.  The Skins and Giants were tied at halftime 13-13 and exchanged leads or were tied prior to the game-winning drive six times.

Coach Shanahan expressed his optimism Wednesday on the Skins chances of defeating the division leading Giants. 

“Hopefully we can step up and do what we are capable of doing on Monday night and win the game."

Shanahan added, "We've just got to play our best game...You have to play at a level that regardless of the X's and O's, you've got to find a way to win."

After a 3-6 start in the first half of the season, the Skins had a bye week.  Since then, the Skins beat thePhiladelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys.  QB Robert Griffin III had consecutive four-TD games.  They outscored both opponents 69-37.

Coach Shanahan singled out the performance of the receiving corps in the Dallas game during his press conference.  Without mentioning any of the players by name, his praise for the receivers and the team’s performance emphasized his enthusiasm for the team’s chances for Week 13.

"We had five receivers last week, (in win against Dallas), that played at a different level than they have all year. Five receivers not on the starting roster a year ago...We've played better collectively as a team."

Reporters in attendance also asked the head coach about the Skins’ playoff chances this year.

"That's your goal,” Shanahan said.  “Our focus right now is to play our best football."

Shanahan remained optimistic, saying, "Our goal is to win the NFC East and to do that we have to play very well."

"The bottom line is you've got to find a way to win.”  Shanahan concluded his remarks regarding the Giants and the NFC East by stating, “If we continue to play at this level then we'll win."

The Redskins host the Giants on Monday Night Football Dec. 3 at 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.