Redskins vs. Giants: 5 Key First-Half Stats for Washington

With New York and Dallas locked in a tight battle atop the NFC East, Washington can play spoiler for the Giants today. And with their final two games against the struggling Vikings and Eagles, this is pretty much it for the Redskins.

Rex Grossman and Co. have a lot to prove to Mike Shanahan over these last three games if they want to stick around for next season, as yet another Redskins rebuilding job has come up short.

So far today, five key stats illustrate the flow of the game.

93.8—That's how many rushing yards the Redskins average per game, good for 31st in the 32-team NFL. Last week, the Giants struggled to contain Dallas' Felix Jones. This is a defense missing Osi Umenyiora and featuring mostly rookies and re-treads for linebackers. As of the two-minute warning, the Redskins have rushed for 79 yards—a vast improvement that largely explains their first-half success.

99 out of 100—Speaking to the media this week, Giants safety Antrel Rolle said the Giants would beat the Redskins 99 times out of 100. Rex Grossman didn't exactly agree with that statement. The Redskins had to come into this game matching New York's swagger. The flea-flicker interception to open the game was a great idea but was poorly executed. Still, Washington didn't give up, and so far, they're making Rolle look like an idiot.

2—The number of interceptions Rex Grossman has thrown in the first half. At the same time, New York has turned those turnovers into exactly zero points. Still, don't expect New York to whiff on their opportunities all game. Washington will have to hold onto the ball better in the second half.

0-6—In the first quarter, Giants QB Eli Manning didn't complete a single pass. That includes terrible drops by Hakeem Nicks and Jake Ballard. Still, you have to give some credit to the Redskins defense, which has come out and has played tight against a talented group of New York receivers. 

34—As of the two-minute warning, New York has 34 rushing yards. An awesome job by the 'Skins to make New York one-dimensional. As a frenzied New York has to throw the ball more and more in the second half, this game could truly get out of hand should Eli throw a pick or two.