Previewing the Redskins Week 17 matchup with the New York Giants
Redskins offense vs. Giants defense
It’s still unknown whether or not the Redskins will play their starters on Sunday. There haven’t been any rumblings that the team is considering sitting their starters, so one would assume that they will march out their top unit for the final game of the season. They may not have anything to play for, but they’re still likely to get a look at all their young depth. A good amount of their starters are already on IR or out for the game, so the team will look to give their younger players some extra run.
On offense, it can be assumed that Cousins will get one final start in a Washington Redskins uniform… Again. With Cousins heading for free agency for a third straight offseason, the team is going to have to make a decision on him in the near future. Had they signed him to a long-term deal already, he probably wouldn’t play. But sitting him in his final contest seems more likely as they look to keep him happy and try to re-sign him.
Thankfully, the Giants once fierce looking defense completely fell apart in 2017. Olivier Vernon hasn’t rushed the passer nearly as well this season. Janoris Jenkins had a good year, but he went on IR a while ago. Eli Apple has had a tumultuous second season and was suspended for this contest after reportedly refusing to play on the scout team and getting into a shouting match with a coach. For this reason, there will be holes for the team to expose.
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The receivers should be able to find some space against what is looking like a porous Giants secondary. With the aforementioned defensive backs out, and Landon Collins set to miss the game too, the Giants won’t be able to matchup with the Redskins wide-outs. Josh Doctson could finally have a big performance and it would behoove the team to get him involved early. Elsewhere, Jamison Crowder should have a chance for another massive game like the one he had against the Giants in Week 12. That game, he had 141 yards and a touchdown on seven catches. He should have an easy matchup, provided that he avoids Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.
Other receivers that should have solid performances are Ryan Grant, who has been consistently solid all season, and Vernon Davis, who should see a lot of targets if he plays. The Redskins definitely have an advantage in the passing game.
On the ground, Samaje Perine will likely see a big workload while Kapri Bibbs serves in the Chris Thompson role. Both will have to deal with Damon “Snacks” Harrison though, so temper expectations on what they will be able to accomplish. If they can keep the Giants defense honest, then the Redskins will have a chance to score a lot of points.
Overall, the Redskins have a distinct advantage on offense. The Giants just don’t have great personnel at this point in the season and if the Redskins play their starters, they will dominate their divisional rival.