Game Preview, Week 14: Giants at Redskins
December 7, 2018
by Steve Thomas
Boy, when things go crazy and wrong for the Redskins, they REALLY go crazy and wrong. I’d have bet my house during the 2018 offseason that I wouldn’t have been talking about Redskins starting quarterback Mark Sanchez and Redskins starting running back Adrian Peterson in week 14. All of the drama this week regarding Washington’s quarterback situation and the every-growing injury list has justifiably drowned out all other talking points this season, causing the majority of fans to go full-bore pessimist. I can’t say I blame you, so don’t get me wrong, but lost in all of the drama and chaos is the fact that the Redskins still can actually win this game and keep their season alive. Yes, quite a bit has to go right, starting with Sanchez, but also on the defensive side of the ball. Remember, though, that the 2018 New York Football Giants aren’t exactly a powerhouse. If Sanchez can get himself up to speed and at least get up to an average level of competence, the Redskins ought to be able to rely on their run game enough to at least give themselves a fighting chance. I know it’s a tall order, with Saquon Barkley and Odell Beckham, Jr. lurking, but Washington has slowed down both of those players in the past. From an impact standpoint, a loss here would just about put a wrap on the competitive portion of the season, so it’s a win the Redskins need to have, by hook or by crook. It can happen, as unlikely as it seems. Our game preview is below.
Game time & location: Sunday, December 9, 2018, 1:00 p.m.ET, Fed Ex Field, Landover, MD; Gates open 11:00 a.m. ET; Red Zone parking lotsopen 8:00 a.m.; all other parking lots 9:00 a.m.
Television: Fox
Television announcers: Chris Myers, Daryl Johnston, Laura Okmin
DC-area radio: The Team 980
Redskins radio network: Click here
Giants radio network: Click here
Satellite radio: XM: 232 (Redskins broad.) Sirius: 94 (Redskins broad); internet: 831 (Redskins broad.)
Redskins roster: Click here
Redskins depth chart: Click here
Eagles roster: Click here
Giants depth chart: Click here
All-time head-to-head record vs Giants: 68– 99 – 4 (last 10: 4 – 6)
Last meeting: W, October 28, 2018, 20 – 13
Early odds: Giants, -3.5
3 KEYS TO THE GAME
The offense must get past the chaos of the past week and look like a professional unit
This is easier said than done, but the Redskins’ offense must somewhat overcome what has been a completely chaotic week at and around Redskins Park and operate like a legitimate NFL offense despite starting the third string quarterback and the 512,698th string guards. If Washington comes out and immediately looks like the JV squad, missing assignments, penalties, bad passes, and dropped balls, this game could get out of hand quickly. However, as I said on the show, the Giants defense has been inconsistent and has produced poor results all year, so if the Redskins can produce quality,mistake-free play, they ought to be able to most the ball and score against New York. Tall order, perhaps, but it’s probably the single biggest key to the game this week.
The offensive line needs to overcome injuries and open up rushing lanes and keep Mark Sanchez upright
Washington’s offensive line has gone from strength of the team to liability over the course of the season, thanks largely to injuries,but it must be said that All Pro Trent Williams has had a poor year by his standards and starting right tackle Morgan Moses has committed what seems like a huge number of penalties this season. The rushing lanes that were present in abundance early in the year have been scarce recently, with a few obvious exceptions. It’s not news to say that the 2018 Redskins largely win games on the ground,so it’s imperative that Jay Gruden somehow find a combination that can make some headway in run blocking against the Giants. Also, considering that Washington’s new starting quarterback was watching NFL football from home two weeks ago, giving Mark Sanchez a clean pocket is pretty darn critical. Again, tall order, but it’s another key to a Redskins win.
The Redskins defense needs to slow down the Giants’ offensive stars
The Giants offense is loaded with stars, namely Eli Manning, Saquon Barkley, and Odell Beckham, Jr. Allowing those players to run wild obviously won’t do wonders for Washington’s chances for a victory, but the Giants also have players down the roster like Evan Engram and Sterling Shepard who can also do significant damage. The point is that the Redskins defense doesn’t necessarily need to transform into the 1985 Bears, but it does need to eliminate the mistakes, such as linebackers being out of position, defensive backs blowing coverages, and missed tackles, in order to give the Redskins a chance to win.
3 KEY MATCHUPS
Josh Norman vs Odell Beckham, Jr.
We’ve all seen this movie before. Josh Norman has been traveling with opposing teams’ best receiver most of the season, and, considering that rookies Greg Stroman, Danny Johnson, and Adonis Alexander will get significant playing time,the Norman – Beckham match is critical. It will be exponentially more difficult for the Redskins if Norman cannot limit Beckham’s effectiveness, because it’s highly likely that the Giants other stars will be able to take advantage of Washington’s young secondary at times. This matchup has gone back and forth over the previous times these two players have faced each other. Norman very much needs to come through for his team on Sunday.
Saquon Barkley vs. Mason Foster and Zach Brown
Saquon Barkley running up and down the field at a 5.0 yard per carry clip isn’t going to result in anything good for Washington. Mason Foster and Zach Brown have played a large role in the demise of the Redskins run defense over the past month or so. Foster and Brown both have failed to maintain their gaps and have been manhandled by opposing offensive lineman at times. The Redskins need these two players in particular to have their best games of the season in order to slowdown Barkley, who is great in space and has also proven to be a quality interior gap runner. This is the hour for Foster and Brown to stop the noise around them. If they don’t, Barkley will most likely have a big game, because the defensive line can’t operate in a shutdown manner without them. Play close attention to how well Foster and Brown are playing their gaps and hitting Barkley early on running downs.
Josh Doctson vs Janoris Jenkins and B.W. Webb
I pointed out in this week’s edition of The Takeaways(read it here) that Josh Doctson has been moderately better in recent weeks. The Redskins need to be able to open up their offense somewhat, and a Mark Sanchez – Josh Doctson connection is the way to do it. Don’t laugh. The Giants will be missing their best defensive back, Landon Collins, and have been vulnerable all year in the air. The Redskins probably can’t win the game just playing the run and a checkdown passing game to compensate for Sanchez’s limitations. Doctson is the player on the roster who needs to be the downfield threat. Watch for whether Sanchez – who does have a decent arm – tries to connect downfield with Doctson a few times in order to open up the New York defense and make things a bit easier on Adrian Peterson and underneath receivers like Jordan Reed. As odd as it may sound, this matchup is important for the Redskins on Sunday.
OFFICIAL INJURY REPORT (as of Friday (active roster only)) (starters in bold)
LP – limited practice FP -full practice DNP -did not practice
NIR – not injury related Q -questionable O – out
D – doubtful
| Redskins | Giants |
| LB R. Anderson, hamstring; Wed: DNP; Thurs: DNP; Fri: DNP; game: O | LB L. Carter hip; Wed: DNP; Thurs: FP; Fri: FP |
| OL T. Bergstrom, knee/ankle; Wed: DNP; Thurs: DNP; Fri: DNP; game: O | S L. Collins, shoulder; Wed: DNP; Thurs: IR; Fri: IR; game: IR |
| LB Z. Brown, illness; Wed: not listed; Thurs: DNP; Fri: FP; game: Q | LB T. Davis, ankle; Wed: DNP; Thurs: DNP; Fri: LP; game: Q |
| DL M. Ioannidis, shin; Wed: DNP; Thurs: DNP; Fri: DNP; game: Q | TE E. Engram, hamstring; Wed: LP; Thurs: FP; Fri: FP |
| QB C. McCoy, fibula; Wed: DNP; Thurs: DNP; Fri: DNP; game: O | LB B.J. Goodson, neck/foot; Wed: LP; Thurs: LP; Fri: LP; game: Q |
| S M. Nicholson, illness; Wed: DNP; Thurs: FP; Fri: FP | WR S. Shepard, rib; Wed: LP; Thurs: FP; Fri: FP |
| RB A. Peterson, shoulder; Wed: DNP; Thurs: LP; Fri: FP | WR O. Beckham, Jr., quad; Wed: not listed; Thurs: not listed; Fri: LP |
| C C. Roullier, knee; Wed: DNP; Thurs: LP; Fri: LP; game: Q | |
| WR J. Docston, hip, Wed: not listed; TThurs: not listed; Fri: LP; game: Q | |
| CB F. Moreau, knee; Wed: LP; Thurs: FP; Fri: FP | |
| T M. Moses, knee; Wed: LP; Thurs: LP; Fri: FP | |
| CB J. Norman, hamstring; Wed: LP; Thurs: FP ; Fri: FP | |
| T T. Williams, thumb/wrist; Wed: LP; Thurs: LP; Fri: FP | |
| RB K. Bibbs, shoulder; Wed: FP; Thurs: FP; Fri: FP | |
| G L. Bowanko, wrist; Wed: FP; Thurs: FP; Fri: FP | |
| WR J. Crowder, ankle; Wed: FP; Thurs: FP; Fri: FP |
TEAM STATISTICS
Redskins:
You should not expect the Redskins offense under Mark Sanchez’s leadership to make a tremendous difference in the season statistics one way or the other. Offensively, the Redskins are ranked in the bottom five in total points scored (27), total yards (27), yards per game (27), and passing yards per attempt (29). As has been the case for several weeks, there is no area beyond Adrian Peterson in which the Redskins offense excels from a statistical perspective. Average time of possession, a stat in which the team was ranked #1 in the NFL at one point, has now tumbled down to 19th. The trend numbers in the chart below, which indicate how much the rankings, are largely static at this time of year. For Peterson’s part, his 192 carries is 6th in the NFL, which is incredible for a running back of his age.
On the defensive side of the ball,not much is going well for Washington with the notable exception of the most important stat, total points surrendered (8th in the NFL), as well as red zone defense (9th), and turnovers. The passing defense in particular remains porous, having surrendered 3,176 net yards (compare that to the Redskins passing yards this season, 2,484 yards). Washington’s opponents have gained an average of 367.4 yards per game, which is more than 40 yards per game more than the offense is gaining. Opposing quarterbacks are earning an average quarterback rating of 94.7. Combine that with the 4.2 yards per rushing attempt the Redskins defense is surrendering (ranked 13th), and you can see a pretty clear picture: teams can easily move the ball on the Redskins but haven’t been good about finishing drives thanks to a high number of turnovers and a decent number of sacks. That also passes the eye test.
Record: 6 – 6 (2nd, tied) (Home: 3 – 3; NFC: 6 – 4; NFC East: 2 – 1)
All-time franchise record: 599 – 587 – 28
Offense
| Offensive rankings | 27 (points) (trend even) / 27 (total yards) (trend even) / 27 (yards per game) (trend even) / 29 (yards per play) (trend -1) / 25 (passing yards) (trend even) / 29 (passing yards per att.) (trend even) / 15 (rushing yards) (trend -2) /14 (rushing yards per att.) (trend +6) |
| Points for | 233 |
| Yards per game | 323.4 |
| Passing | 403 att (20th); 252 comp; 62.5% comp per. (23rd); 6.6 Y/A; 2482 net yds; 13 TD; 9 Int |
| Passing leader | Smith (328 att, 2180 yds (26th), 62.5% comp perc (25th), 10 TDs / 5 Int, 85.7 QB rating (27th) |
| Receiving leader | Reed (558 yds (47th), 83 tgts (31st), 54 rec (33rd), 2 TD, 10.3 YPC) |
| Rushing | 313 att (14th); 1399 yds; 4.5 Y/A; 116.6 Y/G (15th); 11 TD |
| Rushing leader | Peterson (192 att (6th), 856 yds (9th), 7 TD, 4.5 Y/A (27th), long 90) |
| Sacks surrendered / rank | 30 / 15 |
| Ave time of possession / rank | 30:06 / 19 |
| 3rd down conversion rate / rank | 36.9% / 23 |
| TD percentage in red zone / rank | 54.55% / 21 |
Defense
| Defensive rankings | 8 (points) (trend -1) / 20 (total yards) (trend -2) / 20 (yards per game surrendered) (trend -2) / 20 (yards per play) (trend -1) / 27 (passing yards) (trend -4) / 25 (passing yards per att.) (trend -2) / 9 (rushing yards) (trend -1) / 13 (rushing yards per att.) (trend even) |
| Points against | 257 |
| Yards per game surrendered | 367.4 |
| Opponent’s passing | 434 att (25th); 293 comp; 67.5% comp perc. (25th); 7.8 Y/A; 3176 net yds; 20 TDs; QB Rating 94.7 (16th) |
| Opponent’s rushing | 292 att (12th); 1233 yds; 4.2 Y/A; 10 TD; 102.8 Y/G (9th) |
| Sacks / rank / Sack leader | 32 / 15 / Kerrigan (8.0) |
| Tackles leader | Foster (102) |
| Int / rank / Int leader | 12 / 10th / Swearinger (4) |
| Opponent 3rd down conv rate / rank | 44.14% / 29 |
| Opponent TD percentage in red zone / rank | 51.28% / 9 |
Special Teams
| Kick returns | 19.0 Y/R (30th), 21 returns, long 44 yards (17th), 0 TDs |
| Punt returns | 8.1 Y/R (17th), 10 returns, long 30 yards (17th), 0 TD |
| Kick return defense | 21.7 Y/R (12th), 11 returns, 0 TD |
| Punt return defense | 7.1 Y/R (8th), 21 returns, 0 TD |
| Punting | 44.2 Y/P (23rd) |
Turnovers (lost by O / recv’d by D / net / rank): 13 / 22 / +9 / 5
Penalties (total accepted # / rank): 84 / 21
Giants:
Overall, the Giants offense has put up downright pedestrian numbers overall – 19th in points scored, 21st in total yards, 27th in rushing yards,and 13th in passing yards. The low total rushing yards stat may be surprising given the outstanding rookie year Saquon Barkley is having, but the reason is that the Giants simply don’t run much –they only have 250 rushing attempts on the season, which is 30th. For his part, Barkley is averaging 4.9 yards per carry, which is 17th in the league. That doesn’t sound great, but that is the result of a big glut of players tied at 4.9. Barkley also has 602 receiving yards so far to go along with his 954 rushing yards. Odell Beckham, Jr., is having another tremendous season, with 1,052 receiving yards, which is ranked 10th in the league. Eli Manning, despite the recent criticism, has actually put up quality numbers this season, with a quarterback rating of 93.7 and a 67.9% completion percentage. The Giants’ problem is that they’re been terrible in the red zone (ranked 30th), bad on third down (24th), and have given up a mountain of sacks (41, which is ranked 30th).
Defensively, the Giants are inconsistent and at times ineffective. They give up, on average, a large number of points (25th) and yards (24th). They do a mediocre at best job against opposing quarterbacks: 65.6% completion percentage, which is 19th, although their average quarterback rating is 89.8,which is 8th. New York does not stop the run very well, with opposing running backs averaging 4.4 yards per carry. They have been good in the red zone, with only 52.11% of drives resulting in touchdowns. This is a team against whom the Redskins can move the ball if all goes well. The Giants have had their moments,but overall this is an inconsistent defense that, at least in normal circumstances, should be vulnerable to a well-balanced attack.
Record: 4 – 8 (4th) (Away: 2 – 4; NFC: 3 – 7; NFC East: 0 – 4)
All-time franchise record: 691 – 593 – 33
Offense
| Offensive rankings | 19 (points) / 21 (total yards) / 21 (yards per game) / 12 (yards per play) / 13 (passing yards) / 12 (passing yards per att.) / 27 (rushing yards) / 11 (rushing yards per att.) |
| Points for | 267 |
| Yards per game | 350.2 |
| Passing | 438 att (12th); 298 comp; 68.0% comp per. (8th); 7.7 Y/A; 3052 net yds; 17 TDs; 8 Int |
| Passing leader | Manning (436 att, 3263 yds (10th), 67.9% comp per., 15 TDs / 8 Int, 93.7 QB rating (21st)) |
| Reception leader | Beckham (1052 yds (10th), 124 targets (5th), 77 rec (13th), 6 TD, 13.7 Y/C) |
| Rushing | 250 att (30th); 1150 yds; 4.6 Y/A; 95.8 Y/G (27th); 8 TDs |
| Rushing leader | Barkley (195 att, 954 yds (3rd), 8 TDs, 4.9 Y/A (17th), long 68 yds) |
| Sacks surrendered / rank | 41 / 30 |
| Ave time of possession / rank | 28:37 / 28 |
| 3rd down conversion rate / rank | 36.7% / 24 |
| TD percentage in red zone / rank | 47.37% / 30 |
Defense
| Defensive rankings | 25 (points) / 24 (total yards) / 24 (yards per game surrendered) / 19 (yards per play) / 20 (passing yards) / 18 (passing yards per att.) / 24 (rushing yards) / 16 (rushing yards per att.) |
| Points against | 315 |
| Yards per game surrendered | 377.7 |
| Opponent’s passing | 418 att (17th); 274 comp; 65.6% comp per. (19th); 7.6 Y/A; 3033 net yds; 17 TD; QB Rating 89.8 (9th) |
| Opponent’s rushing | 339 att (26th); 1499 yds; 4.4 Y/A; 12 TD |
| Sacks / rank / Sack leader | 19 / 31 / Hill (5.0) |
| Tackles leader | Collins (96) |
| Int / rank / Int leader | 12 / 10 / Ogletree (3) |
| Opponent 3rd down conv rate / rank | 44.52% / 24 |
| Opponent TD percentage in red zone / rank | 52.11% / 8 |
Special Teams
| Kick returns | 24.2 Y/R (10th), 35 returns, long 51 yards, 0 TDs |
| Punt returns | 5.9 Y/R (26th), 27 returns, long 21 yards (26th), 0 TDs |
| Kick return defense | 18.6 Y/R (2nd), 21 returns, 0 TDs |
| Punt return defense | 7.6 Y/R (13th), 22 returns, 0 TD |
| Punting | 46.1 Y/P (7th) |
Turnovers (lost by O / recv’d by D / net / rank): 13 / 16 / +3 / 13
Penalties (total accepted # / rank): 85 / 22
Statistics courtesy of www.pro-football-reference.com, www.nflpenalties.com, www.nfl.com, www.teamrankings.com, www.espn.com, www.sportingcharts.com