Sep 24, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants safety
Landon Collins(21) breaks up a pass intended for Washington Redskins wide receiver
Pierre Garcon(88) during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Defense
Jon Beason, who missed the first two games of the season while nursing an injury, played the first snap, but then exited the game. He wasn’t hurt, but it was interesting to see him leave so early. It looked like the Giants wanted Beason in more of a leadership role tonight. Easing back their defensive captain is a wise move.
For all intents and purposes, the Giants defense played a great game, albeit against a shaky Washington offense. New York looked like a Mercedes-Benz, while Washington resembled a sloppy jalopy.
Kirk Cousins once again struggled against the Giants, as he threw an early pick when Prince Amukamara — who had a tremendous game — made a great read on a ball and intercepted it.
The offense wasn’t able to get back on track after that, as the top-ranked rushing offense floundered against Steve Spagnuolo’s troops.
As previously mentioned, Amukamara was playing like a man who wants a new contract. He consistently made plays in coverage and as a tackler. He’s really beginning to blossom into the player the Giants thought he could be when they took him in the first round of 2011. He left the game for a short time after hurting his ankle, but he returned later in the game.
However, things weren’t perfect, as rookie safety Landon Collins struggled once again. He had some nice hits, but the confident player needs to seriously improve in coverage. Spagnuolo’s defense is a complicated one, so it’s understandable that he’s struggling. But the Giants can’t use blitz packages as frequently as they want to if Collins continues to be a liability.
As far as the pass rush goes, the Giants really missed Robert Ayers Jr. They were able to generate some pressure, but it was far from consistent, and Cousins often had too much time. To be honest, I was not impressed with Damontre Moore at all. The third-year rusher has done virtually nothing in three games, and he’s getting outplayed by veteran Cullen Jenkins.
Un-drafted rookie Uani’ Unga — AKA “The Unga Games” — was once again in the right place at the right time, hauling in a ball that was tipped by Devon Kennard (who was in perfect coverage on the play).
Speaking of Kennard, the second-year linebacker had a great game, as did Kerry Wynn (eight tackles). The defense might lack star power, but the young, unheralded players are starting to make noise.
I was very impressed with the defense, as the Redskins boasted the best run game in the league upon entering the game. Matt Jones, who entered the game as the league’s fifth-leading rusher, was held to 38 yards on 11 carries, while Alfred Morris — who entered the game as the fourth-leading rusher — was an afterthought.
New York’s run defense has surprised me thus far, but it’s likely a combination of playing mediocre running teams and the return of Spags.
With Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Ayers both probably back next week, it’ll be interesting to see how good this unit can be.
Next: Still alive?