Dottino: 3 Key Matchups To Watch In Giants-'Skins, Plus A Prediction

By Paul Dottino
» More Columns

OK, let's get this straight.

The Giants are feeling a whole lot better about themselves after picking up their first win of the season against the Texans last weekend. However, they simply cannot afford to lose to the Washington Redskins (1-2) on Thursday night, or they will find themselves back in the same hole they were in when they were 0-2. More importantly, this is the first game within the NFC East, and that's where the Giants are going to have to start making up ground on the 3-0 Philadelphia Eagles.

Did we mention the atmosphere around the locker room? The players were a lot more loose and energetic after their first win. It's a karma they need to build on if they are going to put together a winning streak that will put them in the hunt to have a successful season.

One more thing: Even the best game plans can get wrecked by the weather. A nasty rainstorm hit the area Wednesday night and was expected to last well into game day. How much will it affect the usually soft natural surface at FedEx Field, and what type of impact will that have on the Redskins' speed-based passing game?

Here are three key matchups to watch:

1) Giants RBs vs. Redskins' front seven: Why so generic? Easy. Rashad Jennings carried the ball a career-high 34 times against the Texans, and it would be unrealistic to expect him to repeat that workload, even though the Giants badly need to keep the running game going so that QB Eli Manning can continue to run a balanced attack. So it's logical to expect a heavier dose of rookie Andre Williams and maybe even veteran Peyton Hillis to combine for as many as half of the carries in this one.

This will be the second straight 3-4 defense the Giants face. Washington has allowed just 2.8 yards per carry through the first three weeks, and have done it without any true superstars roaming the interior of its defense. (Remember, MLB London Fletcher has retired to the TV desk.) The Redskins will run-blitz a lot, which means the backs need to hit any available crease and get to the second level of the defense as quickly as possible to turn their carries into long gainers. It's also advantageous to attack the edges to keep pass-rushing LBs Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan honest.

2) Giants CB Prince Amukamara and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie vs. Redskins WRs Pierre Garson and DeSean Jackson: There is no doubt that the Redskins want to utilize the deep ball more with QB Kirk Cousins playing for the injured Robert Griffin III. Cousins has a strong and accurate arm and will play within the framework of the system, as opposed to taking a risk in search of a big play. Cousins, who was not touched in 48 dropbacks against the Eagles last weekend, went 30-for-48 for 427 yards, three TDs and one INT in that game. To this point, his receiving duo has combined for 36 grabs and 435 yards (highlighted by Jackson's 81-yard TD last week).

The Giants, upset that they've given up a few too many big plays over the top, are pulling S Stevie Brown from the starting lineup and will ask either Quintin Demps or rookie Nat Berhe to help provide support against the deep post pass. However, the best way to throw off the Redskins' passing game may be to prevent them from getting a clean release off the line. As a side note, DRC and Demps were Jackson's teammates in Philadelphia, where Demps and Jackson roomed together.

3) Redskins RBs Alfred Morris and Roy Helu vs. Giants MLB Jon Beason or Jameel McClain: Beason (toe) made the trip and likely will be a game-time decision. If he cannot go, McClain -- who did a stellar job against the Texans last week -- will slide into the middle. Regardless, the Giants know that Washington relies on its inside power game for two purposes: to open up the pass and/or to hold onto a lead or drive for the winning score while grinding out the clock.

The Giants cannot allow any of those elements to occur if they are to leave Washington with a victory. Morris appeared to be limited by a sore knee against the Eagles. He left the game, then returned and finished with 77 yards on 23 carries (with a long of 12 yards).

PREDICTION: Giants 20, Redskins 17

PREDICTION vs. the spread: 2-1

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories