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Week 12 Preview: Giants V Redskins

By Chad Ryan

Posted on November 28, 2015

I don’t think the Redskins and their fans could have asked for a better Thanksgiving. Not only did we see the Eagles get dominated by the Lions but got a nice serving of Cowboys smack down, courtesy of the Panthers. On top of that Tony Romo‘s season is over after he fractured his clavicle.

Ladies and gentleman, the NFC East is now a two team race between the New York Giants and Washington Redskins. These two teams go head to head on Sunday and the winner walks away in 1st place of the division.

The Giants are coming off of a bye week (seems to be trend with teams the Redskins play) and the Redskins are coming off a loss to the Panthers. The Redskins have yet to win on the road, but the good news is that this game will be played on the Skins’ home field and FedEx.

Let’s take a look at the keys to this game and the most important game of the year so far.

Treat it like it’s a playoff game

This is about as close to a playoff game for the Redskins as we might see all year. Most people would agree this division is a two team race and if the Skins were to lose that would make them 0-2 against the G-Men this season. The Giants would then be in full control of the division and it would be very much an uphill battle for the Redskins to have any chance. It could very well be an all or nothing game for the Redskins.

The last time the Redskins beat the Giants was in December of 2012. I hate to bring that up, but if there is ever a good time to turn that around…it’s NOW.

Don’t play catch up all game

The last time the Redskins played the Giants, the game started off with the Giants blocking a punt and the play resulting in a safety. Things went downhill from there and the Redskins were never able to recover. The Skins can not afford to play catch up with a team that has Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr, who has shown all season long they can score in a matter of seconds.

The Redskins secondary really struggled in that game, and Manning really was able to eat up the zone coverage. The Redskins need to be a much more physical team and not give the receivers so much cushion, as they have been doing. If this happens, I expect the Giants to throw a lot of quick passes and allow the receivers to run after the catch. Play physical, and don’t play scared.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Redskins must put up points against a very weak Giants defense. The Giants defense is allowing over 420 yards per game. No excuses.

Kirk Cousins must beat his demons

Kirk Cousins‘ kryptonite seems to be the Giants. He had the worst game of his career last season against them, and then earlier this season he threw 2 INTs. To be clear, nobody on the Redskins had a strong outing that day.

This could be the game that really defines Kirk Cousins. A lot of people and fans are at a divide on what the team should do with him in the future. I’m on record for saying that I believe Cousins is the guy moving forward and should get an extension in the offseason. That is due to both supply and demand at the position, but I also feel like he has shown enough to be the guy. Considering he is showing progression without a running game or solid defense to help him out. Regardless, this is a game where Cousins has a great opportunity to get a hold of the division in front of a home crowd.

The question is can Captain Kirk take this team to places many thought impossible 13 weeks ago? We may found out on Sunday.

With Chris Culliver out for the season, how will the secondary respond?

On the morning of Thanksgiving the Redskins had a quick practice so the team could still get home and spend time with their families. Unfortunately, on that morning Chris Culliver tore his ACL/MCL and was put on injured reserve shortly after.

Culliver has been battling injuries all season and had a disappointing start with the Redskins. Culliver did not record an interception all season and only had 1 pass defended. It’s tough to speculate what his future looks like moving forward with this team, but right now the Redskins secondary needs to be ready to show up on Sunday.

Last time these two teams met, OBJ and Reuben Randle each had 7 catches and torched the Redskins secondary. That cannot happen on Sunday or the results will be the same. Bashaud Breeland is having a solid year and needs to play OBJ physical and be in his face all game. It will be interesting to see how the Redskins use Deangelo Hall now that Culliver is out. Will Hall continue to see time at safety or will his role increase at CB? The good news is that Will Blackmon and Kyshoen Jarrett have both been pleasant surprises for this team.

Play physical.
Don’t play scared.
Get in the WR’s faces all game long.

Get Pressure

The last time these two teams played, Manning walked away untouched. The Redskins didn’t record a single sack. It’s also no secret that Manning is a completely different QB when he is under pressure and is being hit all game. It’s important that the Redskins up front get into a rhythm. Even if they are not getting sacks, touch Manning and let him know you’ll be there all game.

Ryan Kerrigan played pretty well last week and got good pressure, but he’s been struggling to finish plays. Kerrigan has been facing double teams and has gotten his hand on the QB many times, he just needs to execute. As the best defensive player on this team, hurt or not…this defense needs him to step up.

If I’m Joe Barry, I’m preaching to my guys all this week to be physical and be ready for a fight. This defense needs to come out angry and play with some swagger. Playing soft is not a good look, go for the knock out.

PROS

#1: Home Field Advantage. The Redskins have been a completely different team at home than on the road. Luckily for the Redskins the most important game of the season thus far will be on their turf.

#2: Extra Motivation. With a win this team is control of their own destiny and first place in their division. People never want to talk about the playoffs, but this game needs to be treated like it’s one. Win and the playoffs could very much be in sight.

#3: Desean Jackson is back. The Redskins will have their deep threat back this time. Luckily he is going against a secondary that is giving up over 300 yards a game through the air. Cousins and company could have a big day if they attack the Giants and take some shots down field.

CONS

#1: Giants passing attack. Eli Manning is a scarier QB than he gets credit for. There’s no question he can throw up points quickly and can spread the ball around. He’s not a QB that the Redskins want to get into a shoot out with, especially if OBJ gets the ball in his hands.

#2: Giants run defense. Now even though the Giants have a very bad secondary, up front they have been solid. Last time these two teams played, they held the Redskins to under 100 yards rushing and Matt Jones only walked away with 38 rushing yards.

#3: The Giants seem to shine under pressure. With the division lead on the line, the Giants have played a lot more meaningful games lately and will have the “been there, done that” mentality. They could end up being the more calm and collect team and not letting the stage get to them. Again, another reason why it’s important for the Redskins to be physical and never let them feel comfortable.

Let’s take a moment to remember Sean Taylor who lost his life on November 27, 2007. He was one of the greatest Redskins of all-time and should not be forgotten. We miss you, Sean. Rest in peace.