Redskins vs. Giants preview: Can Washington keep momentum?
The Washington Redskins have won two straight games and face the reeling New York Giants on Sunday. Can Washington make it three in a row?
The Washington Redskins (4-2) meet the New York Giants (1-6) on Sunday afternoon in a game featuring two old rivals going in different directions in 2018. The Redskins have won two in a row after last week’s thrilling win over the Dallas Cowboys.
The Giants, meanwhile, have lost four in a row and are already 0-2 in the division. In the past seven days, New York has traded away two defenders in former first-round pick, cornerback Eli Apple, and starting defensive tackle Damon “Snacks” Harrison.
The trade of Apple wasn’t exactly a surprise. He’s struggled since arriving in the NFL in 2016. Then there were the issues in 2017 where his own teammates labeled him a ‘cancer.‘ Apple was also suspended for the season finale last season after getting into an argument with a coach. Harrison’s trade, however, was a bit of a surprise. One of the better run-stoppers in the league, Harrison was dealt to the Detroit Lions for just a fifth-round selection.
How do those trades affect this weekend’s game?
Apple’s departure has no effect. Harrison’s, though, could affect New York’s run defense. It’s important to note its run defense wasn’t very good with Harrison in 2018, ranking No. 23 in run defense as opponents average over 113 yards per game and over 4.3 yards per attempt.
This could be good news for Washington running back Adrian Peterson who is coming off two outstanding performance in a row. John Keim, who covers the Redskins for ESPN.com, pointed out an interesting nugget about New York’s run defense this week that doesn’t necessarily mean the Giants will struggle to stop the run without Harrison.
According to @ESPNStatsInfo the Giants allowed 5.19 yards per carry on 117 run plays when Damon Harrison was on the field. Allowed 2.75 on 69 runs without Harrison on the field... (Last year: 3.89 when he was on the field.). Why? Dunno. Point is: Don't assume this cripples NY
— John Keim (@john_keim) October 26, 2018
A big problem for the Giants has been the performance of quarterback Eli Manning. The veteran has been dreadful in 2018. And the Redskins, with a stout defensive front, could be in for a big game on Sunday afternoon. New York’s offensive line is probably even worse than Manning himself. The Redskins’ front seven manhandled a very good Dallas offensive line last week.
Expect Manning to try and get the ball to Odell Beckham pretty quickly on Sunday. Beckham, of course, should be matched up with old nemesis Josh Norman. The Redskins could also be without starting cornerback Quinton Dunbar for a second straight week, meaning rookie Greg Stroman would be Washington’s third corner, something the Giants should look to exploit.
Offensively, the Redskins have been all about Peterson. The future Hall of Famer has been terrific in all four of Washington’s wins. The Redskins need more from quarterback Alex Smith. The good news for Smith is the Redskins should get running back Chris Thompson and receiver Paul Richardson back on Sunday. Slot receiver Jamison Crowder likely remains a game-time decision.
TV and Live Stream Info
Date: Sunday, Oct. 28
Start time: 1:00 P.M. EST
Location: East Rutherford, NJ
Stadium: MetLife Stadium
TV Info: FOX Sports, NFL Sunday Ticket
Live Stream: NFL Sunday Ticket, FuboTV
The Giants have been better against the pass, if only slightly. Overall, they rank No. 18 against the pass. This could be a good opportunity for Smith to get the passing game going. The return of Richardson should help the Redskins get something going down the field if Smith chooses to and that could mean big things for tight end, Jordan Reed. Smith must get Reed the ball more often.
Prediction
This game will tell us everything we need to know about the Redskins. Are they ready to take the next step? Or will this be another case of Washington playing down to its opponent? The Giants are going to be a pushover and the Redskins realize this more than ever. Just this week, Peterson had a great answer when asked would this be a trap game, per JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington.
“Trap game? We lost to the Colts earlier this year,” Peterson said.
Next. NFL Week 8: Coaches on the hot seat. dark
That’s an excellent answer. Expect the Redskins to be fired up on Sunday, but expect another close game. The Giants will hang close and Manning will have a solid game with Beckham going over 100 yards and scoring a touchdown. Running back Saquon Barkley will have a pair of highlight-reel, but will largely be held in check. Peterson will have another big game and Smith makes some plays in the passing game to put the Redskins over the top.
Final Score: Redskins 24, Giants 20