The Washington Redskins travel up I-95 on Sunday to face the rejuvenated New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. The Giants earned their first win of the season last week behind rookie quarterback Daniel Jones, while the Redskins are 0-3 behind an injured Case Keenum.
While the Redskins hope to get a win under their belts, the Giants look to keep their momentum flowing with a win.
Here are four keys to making that happen.
Find a way to be productive on the ground
Losing Saquon Barkley to an ankle injury is a huge smack in the mouth to the Giants run game. Backups Wayne Gallman and Jonathan Hillman have to find a way to be productive on the ground. Over their first three games, the Redskins allowed 426 total rushing yards, an average of 142 yards on the ground per game. They have not forced any fumbles either, so getting the ground game going will go a long way to a Giants victory.
The problem the Giants face here is that Gallman’s most productive season was his rookie year in 2017 where he had 476 rushing yards, which isn’t fantastic. And Hillman is an undrafted free agent rookie with zero NFL experience. If neither of these two can get it going on the ground, Daniel Jones may have to take matters into his own hands (and feet) when the time comes on Sunday.
Don’t let DJ take too many hits
If Jones is forced to run the ball due to lack of production from the running backs, this could be a problem. The offensive line has to be prepared for Jones to take off. Last week after Saquon went out, Jones ended up being the leading rusher with 28 yards. He was also hit 13 times and sacked five times. Sure, Eli Manning is healthy and could take back over the quarterback spot at any time, but with the way the team rallied behind Jones last week, is that something the Giants really want to do? Limiting the number of hits that Jones takes isn’t just essential for a win, it’s essential to the longevity of his season and career.
The Giants need to focus on letting Jones throw the ball against Washington, though — they’ve allowed 782 yards in the air, an average of just over 260 yards per game. Compare that to the rushing yards allowed and it’s clear that Jones needs to air it out. However, he can’t do that without protection, so the line needs to step up and ensure that Jones has the time he needs and doesn’t take unnecessary hits.
Force turnovers
The Chicago Bears held Washington to just 15 points last week, which was their lowest total of the season. They accomplished this, in part, by forcing five turnovers against the Redskins, so hopefully the defense paid attention to that film this week.
Two fumbles and three interceptions totaled the five turnovers. The defensive line needs to play a huge part in causing those turnovers, not just popping the ball out, but pressuring Keenum who is still slated to start despite a foot injury. Putting pressure on Keenum to make bad decisions or attempt to scramble on a bad foot will go a long way towards forcing those turnovers.
The secondary needs to be on alert as well, paying attention to when those bad decisions are made and making the Redskins pay for it.
Win on third down
Third downs have been a problem for the Giants this season, gaining a first down on 30% of third down conversions. Their fourth down conversions are better at 50%, but they need to keep it from getting that far.
The Redskins allow their opponents to convert on third down over 63% of the time, something the Giants need to take advantage of. If the Giants can convert on third down, they’ll have a good shot at winning a very important divisional game.
