Welcome back to the B&G Report. Today’s matchup vs the NY Giants really needs no hype. This is the first time the Skins have met the Giants, since NY killed their playoff chance in week 16 of last year. This is the redemption game for Kirk Cousins who played a disappointing game last year, but had zero help from his defense in that game. Their playoff destiny was in their hands and Cousins came up short. This years team is haven’t a talent issue, but dealing with devastating injuries. The defense is even better though, so if Kirk can step up this could be sweet payback. I’m looking for a couple key matchups, but more importantly I’ll analyze what the Skins need to do to get that W! Let’s do this!
KEYS ON OFFENSE
Offensively Kirk Cousins has moved the ball well in consecutive weeks. The Giants pose a challenge, even though they’re only 2-8. The Giants defeated the high powered Kansas City Chiefs last week, which was a defensive grudge match. Gruden would be served well to run the ball early and often with Perine, but running the hurry up would add an extra dimension. Challenging the Giants defensive depth could be paramount. Jordan Reed is inactive once again, but what’s new. Vernon “Father Time” Davis will be expected to be Kirk’s go to guy once again. With Chris Thompson out, Josh Doctson becomes Cousins secondary option. Jamison Crowder, Ryan Grant and Mo Harris also will look to get involved in the passing game. A steady run/pass ratio is what will keep the Skins in this game. The Giants defense is still the same opportunistic defense that they’ve always been. Three starters on the Skins O-Line were sent to IR this week. The back up Center Chase Roullier will also miss a few weeks with broken bones in his hand. The Skins will start their 3rd different player at Center in only ten games. Tony Bergstrom has only been with the Redskins for a few weeks and will debut at Center tonight. So the Center To QB exchange is something to keep an eye on. I’m out of breath just going through the latest injuries, so a win would be even bigger under the circumstances. Cousins will need to have another 300 yard passing performance to beat this Giants Squad. Add in another 100 yard rushing day by Perine and the Redskins might have a chance.
KEYS ON DEFENSE
The Redskins Defense seems to have caught a break with the Giants also dealing with key injuries. New York’s best O-Lineman DJ Fluker is rumored to be inactive tonight with a toe injury. This is an opportunity for Greg Manusky and his defense to pin their ears back and make it a difficult day for Eli Manning. Fluker is one of three new starters on the O-line out for this game. The Redskins have been playing too much cover two and need to play more man to man vs New York. With NY’s top 3 receivers out, the DB’s need to play press coverage and keep the revamped Giants receiving core off balance. I’m expecting Manusky to be super aggressive with the season potentially on the line. The safety position is the biggest cause for concern. DeAngelo Hall’s performance in Seattle seemed to be “Fools Gold”, as he played horrible against the Saints last week. If Quinten Dunbar is healthy I’d like to see Kendall Fuller play some safety. Breeland has shown he can man the slot corner position admirably, allowing Norman and Dunbar to cover the outside receivers. DJ Swearinger has recorded 3 interceptions in two games and I expect another pick tonight. Allowing Fuller to man the opposite side of the field of DJ, would give the Skins a better option than Hall. In the end I envision the Skins defense to register at least 4 sacks and two picks, one resulting in a TD return by Swearinger.
PLAYERS TO WATCH ON OFFENSE
Two players on offense to watch are Josh Doctson & Mo Harris. Harris in particular will draw coverage from Eli Apple, who has looked like a 1st round bust. Cousins needs to get Harris involved early and take shots to Doctson when he gets one on one coverages. This Giants Defense will pressure Cousins into making mistakes, but Kirk has excelled with pressure in his face this year. So utilizing their playmaking receivers is key, along with getting the running game on track.
PLAYERS TO WATCH ON DEFENSE
The Skins pass rush needs to get to Manning, even if just knocking him down to get in his head. Ryan Kerrigan needs to lead the rush, along with Preston Smith, Junior Galette and Ryan Anderson. Kerrigan most likely will face OT Erik Flowers and that advantage should go to “The Hart Break Kid”. That’s my key matchup on defense and should be interesting to see if Kerrigan can dominate.
Final Thought
This will be no cake walk for the Redskins, but I believe the win streak starts for Washington tonight. Thanks for visiting The B&G Report and look forward to hearing reader feedback. HTTR!🏹🏈
27-17 Skins get the W
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