Any defense at any level of football is likely familiar with the idea of focusing on picking up turnovers through a part of practice, but it usually goes without being said.
What’s funny about Washington’s matchup against the New York Giants this week is the home team’s willingness to stress that they are out for blood against QB Daniel Jones, a turnover-happy young player who currently has nine interceptions and four fumbles lost through eight games this season.
“Obviously, we always are stressing turnovers,” Del Rio said, via NBC Sports Washington. “Today is ‘Turnover Thursday,’ so a big point of emphasis piece on Thursday.”
In his career, Jones has 21 career interceptions and 23 fumbles, so it’s not like his turnover woes are something new. Going into this game where they are obviously looking for revenge, Washington knows that they are going to take advantage of the mishaps that are sprinkled on top of what usually is a pretty encouraging performance from Jones.
“Look, what we recognize is he’s got the ability to make all the throws,” Del Rio said. “He’s got the ability to run the football as well, which we saw in the first game. To me, we’ve got to look at playing him at his best. We’re preparing accordingly. We recognize the talent level and the skill level. They’ve got a lot of weapons we’ve got to worry about besides the quarterback, but certainly he’s got a lot of tools.”
What’s comical about the situation is the statement of the obvious. Every defense goes into the weekend’s matchup doing everything they can to prepare for turnovers and do what they can to capitalize on mistakes. Washington has made a point of making it public knowledge that they know Jones is prone to cough up the ball, and they are fine with twisting that knife. There is no love lost in this NFC East rivalry, and Washington is out for revenge this weekend.
