So that’s what winning feels like! It’s been four days since the Redskins shook up the NFL and defeated the Rams 24-10. Not only was it a win but it was a complete team win. Jay Gruden had an excellent game plan, the defense was solid, the run game was insane, and the passing game was efficient. No question one of the more complete games the Redskins have played in some time.
The NFC East is wide open at this point due to Cowboys injuries, Eagles looking lost, and Giants not knowing how to manage the clock. As it currently stands the Redskins are 2nd in the division behind the Cowboys, while the Giants and Eagles sit at 0-2. Thursdays game against the Giants will be telling for both teams and could be a great turning point for the Redskins. The Skins have a chance to take over that top spot in the division and continue to shake up the NFL.
Here are a few things to keep your eye on during Thursday’s game, and also what gives the Redskins the best chance of winning:
Slow down ODBJ
Odell Beckham Jr is coming off a game against the Falcons in which he was absolutely on fire. He hauled in 7 receptions for 146 yards and a TD. This is in no way an easy assignment and ODBJ has the ability to take games over. On a positive note this will be the first time that the Redskins will have Deangelo Hall, Chris Culliver, and Bashaud Breeland on the field at the same time. Look for Culliver to mirror ODBJ and do his best to shut him down. The key is not giving up the big play downfield and allowing the Giants to gain some momentum. ODBJ is a great WR but he isn’t invincible, as the Cowboys showed us in week 1. After being suspended last week Culliver could come in with a chip on his shoulder and make it a long night for ODBJ.
Keep pounding the ball
The Redskins have officially found their identity, and there is no doubt this a run first team. The two headed monster now known as MOJO, which features Alfred Morris and Matt Jones has taken the league by storm. The Redskins currently lead the NFL in rushing yards with 343. Coach Bill Callahan has the offensive line looking like The Hogs and putting out some pretty dominating performances. The most impressive part so far has been that the first two games have been against two of the best defensive lines in football. Don’t look for this rushing attack to slow down any time soon, and it’s something that will give the Skins a big advantage come December when the weather starts getting wild.
The great part of having two studs in the backfield as that one of the guys will always have fresh legs. Last week against the Rams, MOJO pretty evenly split carries. Jones had 19 carries, while Morris had 18. Look for that to continue going into New York. The Redskins will be a Running Back by committee team all season and continue to run guys over in the process.
The Giants have quietly been one of the better run stopping teams so far this season. In fact the only other team to give up less yards against the run is the Redskins. So don’t expect it to be a walk in the park, but also don’t expect the Redskins to back down.
Revenge
We all know how the story went last season, nationally televised game with the world watching. Kirk Cousins had the worst game of his career and threw up 4 INT’s. That game seemed to be the end of Cousins in Washington, but he’s back and has a great opportunity to come out and get revenge. Cousins so far this season looks like a different player and could have a strong outing.
The Giants best guy in the secondary, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is a long shot to play due to a concussion. The Giants are already weak in the secondary and have given up a lot of passing yards to their opponents so far this season. Even without Desean Jackson in this game there will opportunities for the long ball. Also look for the Skins to continue to get the ball to Jordan Reed who has shown that he has the ability to be a top Tight End in this league. If the Redskins are able to run the ball it will also open up the play-action pass. The writing is on the wall, Kirk Cousins could have an opportunity to put on a show and get his revenge.
Defensive Turnovers
The Redskins currently are the #1 overall ranked defense in the NFL. Coach Joe Barry really has these guys playing with a chip on their shoulder and it’s evident. The defensive line has been an absolute wall, the team has been solid on getting tackles, swarming the ball, and even the secondary has improved. My only issue so far is that the team has zero defensive turnovers in two games. In week 1 both Chris Culliver and Keenan Robinson dropped sure fire interceptions that could have potentially been pick 6’s. The defense needs to capitalize on these opportunities, because they don’t happen often and they could change the game. To be quite honest, the Skins could be 2-0 right now had the defense held onto those interceptions.
Eli Manning can be a bit of a turnover machine himself, and if the Skins are able to force a few turnovers that could be the difference in the game. Manning struggles when he gets rattled so defensive pressure will be key. Ryan Kerrigan had a forced fumble last week, that is something this team could use on Thursday. Also look for Jason Hatcher to continue to have a strong game, especially since it’s being reported that the Giants starting Left Tackle Ereck Flowers is expected to miss the game.
This is going to be a tough battle and a defensive turnover could be the difference.
Win on the road
This is the first time this season that the Redskins will be playing away from home. The Skins will need to quiet the crowd and continue to play to their strengths. With this being a nationally televised game, the spotlight is on them. It’s also a short week and both teams will have to dive right in. Winning on the road is not easy in this league, and the Giants will be angry (so will there fans), so the key is not allowing the Giants to put on a show in front of them. The Giants will be playing emotional and know that they could very well be 2-0 right now if it wasn’t for bad clock management. They are going to do everything in their power to not go 0-3. I expect a tough, close game. There is a lot riding on this game for both teams, the division is completely wide open and could very well come down to a difference of one game.
PROS:
#1: Best running game in the league. The Redskins have the best RB duo in the NFL right now and aren’t showing any signs of slowing down. If the momentum can carry over from Sunday MOJO could be in for another big day.
#2: Offensive Line play. Callahan has this line playing like Pro Bowlers. Rookie Brandon Scherff has really risen to the occasion of facing against some of the NFL’s best talent. He was thrown right to the wolves and came out on top. Confidence goes a long way. Overall as a unit this OL is playing great and will continue to brawl on Thursday.
#3: Defense. How many of us actually thought that the defense would be a pro for this team? Right now there aren’t any evident holes in this defense, and are quietly the top ranked defense in the NFL right now. Look for this unit to completely shut down the Giants running game, but also get pressure on Eli Manning.
CONS:
#1. ODBJ. He’s a stud, however you look at it. He’s a scary matchup and has big play ability. I’m not willing to crown him as the best WR in the NFL just yet, but don’t underestimate him. Culliver will have his hands full all night.
#2. Eli Manning magic. Somehow Eli always finds a way to keep his team in the game, and they are never out of it. Like I said earlier, this team could very well be 2-0 and they know that. Manning could struggle on Thursday or he could very well have a huge night like he did last year at this time. Either way, it’s important for the Redskins to get hits on him and not allow him to get in a rhythm. You can’t let Eli have an opportunity to throw up some magic, ask the Patriots.
#3. That giant size chip on their shoulders. The Giants will be playing emotional on Thursday. This team is in danger of going 0-3 and they are playing at home. I fully expect this team to come out angry and swinging. The Redskins will have to put out that fire quickly before things get out of control.
Washington Redskins vs New York Giants is this Thursday (Sep 24) at 8:25pm EST on CBS/NFL Network
As always follow me on Twitter @anthonyraposa for all things Redskins as well as your news and outlook.
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