Washington Redskins: 3 Bold predictions vs. Giants on Thanksgiving

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 12: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins looks on during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at FedExField on November 12, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 12: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins looks on during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at FedExField on November 12, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 12: Free safety D.J. Swearinger #36 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after an interception during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at FedExField on November 12, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 12: Free safety D.J. Swearinger #36 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after an interception during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at FedExField on November 12, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

3. Defense rebounds but…

The Washington Redskins defense will play much better on Thursday night, even with a short week to prepare. But you shouldn’t get too excited as the Redskins are facing the punchless New York Giants. Yes, the Giants defeated Kansas City last week, however, that was more due to the defense than anything Eli Manning and the offense did.

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Washington defensive coordinator Greg Manusky better have a good game plan on Thursday. If this unit struggles against the Giants after the collapses this defense has suffered the past two weeks, then his job security should come into question.

Injuries have certainly hurt Washington’s defense with Jonathan Allen, Mason Foster and Will Compton all out for the season. And stalwarts like Josh Norman, Bashaud Breeland and Matt Ioannidis have also missed time. But if we talk about injuries, the offense has suffered far more injuries, yet is still playing at a high level.

The schedule has lightened up, unfortunately for the Redskins they likely aren’t healthy enough to capitalize. On Thursday night, though, Washington has no excuse. They need to come at Manning early and often and force some turnovers. Once the Giants get behind, they aren’t coming back. On a short week, expect to see this unit come out hitting hard and playing desperate.