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Previewing the Washington Redskins Week 12 matchup with the New York Giants

By Jacob Camenker

NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 19: Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins and Ryan Grant #14 of the Washington Redskins celebrate after scoring a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 19, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 19: Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins and Ryan Grant #14 of the Washington Redskins celebrate after scoring a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 19, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER 05: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants fumbles the ball on a sack by Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams in the first quarter during their game at MetLife Stadium on November 5, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER 05: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants fumbles the ball on a sack by Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams in the first quarter during their game at MetLife Stadium on November 5, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

Redskins defense vs. Giants offense

While the Giants defense does pose some concerns for the Redskins offense, the New York offense will not stand a chance on Thursday. The Redskins stop unit hasn’t been great over the past two weeks, allowing a combined 72 points and blowing a 15-point lead to the Saints in just six minutes, but the Giants offense has little weaponry left.

Over the course of the season, the Giants have lost three of their top four receivers in Odell Beckham Jr., Brandon Marshall, and Dwayne Harris. Since then, the team has been relying on unheralded players to carry their team. Sterling Shepard has proven to be a solid No. 1 option at times, but the former second rounder has been in and out of the lineup due to injuries and illnesses. He’s not a sure thing to suit up this week but even if he does, Josh Norman and Bashaud Breeland can handle him.

Elsewhere, the only receiving threat that the Giants have is tight end Evan Engram. The rookie has become a big part of the offense since the top receivers went out and the Skins haven’t been great against tight ends this year. Thus, he is the focal point that Greg Manusky and the defense should focus on stopping. If they can do that, then they may hold the Giants to 14 points or less.

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Also, for those concerned about Eli Manning, don’t be. The veteran quarterback is a shell of his former self and his offensive line hasn’t played well for yet another year. The Giants are likely going to be without Justin Pugh for another week, so undrafted rookie Chad Wheeler will have to start at the position again. While he fared well last week against the Chiefs, it’s a safe bet that Ryan Kerrigan and Preston Smith will find a way to beat him.

The run game may actually be the surprising strength of the Giants team right now. Orleans Darkwa is emerging as a solid lead back for the team and has put up very good performances in the past couple of weeks. He has looked like a strong battering ram and he could do some damage against the Redskins front. But if the passing offense isn’t working, Manusky and company will figure out a way to stop Darkwa. Also, it’s worth noting that Zach Brown and Martrell Spaight played well as a tandem last week, so they should be able to come downhill and slow down the hot back.

There will be no excuses for the Redskins if they don’t win this battle. The Giants offense is one of the weakest, most battered units in the league. Washington should manhandle them on Thanksgiving, provided that they have enough healthy personnel themselves.

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