REDSKINS (0-2) VS. GIANTS (2-0)
SUNDAY, 1 P.M. ET, METLIFE STADIUM, EAST RUTHERFORD,. N.J. uTV: FOX, DIRECTV 712
Announcers: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews
About the Redskins: A season that began with high hopes of defending the NFC East title is quickly descending into frustration and desperation after a heartbreaking loss to the Dallas Cowboys dropped Washington to 0-2. Key mistakes — mainly QB interceptions — and the lack of a consistent running game have combined to sabotage the offense, while the defense has been a disaster, ranking near the bottom of the league in total defense (tied for 27th, 408.5 yards allowed per game), rushing defense (27th, 124.5) and scoring (tied for 29th, 32.5 points per game).
About the Giants: A huge offseason investment in their defense is producing a nice return. Its latest performance was impressive, to say the least, as the Giants limited recordsetting QB Drew Brees and the high-flying New Orleans Saints offense to 288 yards and one touchdown. For reference, the Saints rang up seven TDs and 608 yards against the Giants’ woeful defense last season. In its two games this season, New York has allowed two touchdowns — which is fortunate, because its offense has scored three.
When they last met, in the Giants’ December loss to the Carolina Panthers, the result was a nasty, penalty-filled rumble that wound up getting Beckham suspended. The relationship hasn’t improved.
The Redskins fully expected an improved, confident Cousins, the undisputed starter at last, to carry them to a strong season, but the 28-year-old doesn’t Josh Norman, left, and Odell Beckham Jr. tussled early and often last December.
look like the same quarterback who lit up opponents in the second half of 2015. His three interceptions have been killers, particularly Sunday’s fourth-quarter pick in the end zone — a poor decision and a poor throw — that ignited Dallas’ comeback win. Not long after that, news reports surfaced that teammates had begun complaining about Cousins’ indecisive performance. Washington’s
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
average points per game despite having pretty good offensive numbers. The Redskins’ average of 6.8 yards per play is the NFL’s third best, and they’re seventh in total offense at 408 yards per game. But their 30% red-zone touchdown rate ranks 28th.
KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Ready to emerge? QB Eli Manning has a 106.9 passer rating and is completing 73.9% of his passes. He has rising star
and resurgent to complement Beckham. So why can’t the Giants score? Their 18 points per game average is among the league’s worst, and last week, facing a horrid New Orleans defense, their only TD came on a return of a blocked field goal attempt. Washington’s struggling defense offers a prime opportunity to break out.
2. Along came Jones: With Cousins looking less than solid, Washington might consider leaning more on its running game. That was a major weakness last season, and the Redskins’ 29 rushing attempts are the league’s fewest. But when he has gotten the ball, RB
has been effective, averaging 4.3 yards on his 20 carries with a 14-yard TD on Sunday.
3. Big plays: For all of its early success, the Giants defense has lacked big plays. It has two sacks and has not forced a turnover — in fact, New York is 2-0 despite a minus 4 turnover margin. DEs and
have disrupted quarterbacks with pressure but have yet to seal the deal. Same goes for CBs and Andy Friedlander