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Redskins vs. Giants: Week 8 offense and defense matchups, score prediction

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 14: Cornerback Josh Norman #24 of the Washington Redskins reacts after a play in the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at FedExField on October 14, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 14: Cornerback Josh Norman #24 of the Washington Redskins reacts after a play in the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at FedExField on October 14, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 23: Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after rushing for a first half touchdown against the Green Bay Packers at FedExField on September 23, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 23: Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after rushing for a first half touchdown against the Green Bay Packers at FedExField on September 23, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Redskins offense vs. Giants defense

The Redskins offense has been below average at best to start the season. Their passing game hasn’t done much, so a bulk of the responsibility for moving the ball has fallen on the run game. So far, that hasn’t been a major problem.

Adrian Peterson has done a terrific job of carrying the Redskins this season. In their wins, he has averaged 102.3 yards on the ground and has put up three rushing TDs. He will have to continue to produce against the Giants, but that won’t be easy.

The Giants had Damon “Snacks” Harrison on their defensive line, and he was great at stuffing the run…but they elected to trade him to the Lions in exchange for a draft pick. The team allows 4.3 yards per carry on each run, so they are beatable. Peterson may have had trouble avoiding Snacks, but with him gone, his elusive ability should be enough to get around the other Giants defensive tackles.

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Elsewhere on offense, the Redskins passing game should have a chance to break out. Though Jamison Crowder, Paul Richardson, and Chris Thompson are dealing with injuries, the Giants pass defense just isn’t that good. Eli Apple was traded, and the team lacks depth at the corner position. Janoris Jenkins hasn’t been as strong as usual this season, so he can be beaten. Now, the question is, will the Redskins finally have a pass-catching weapon step up?

This is really a defining moment for Alex Smith. He will have a chance to improve on what has been mostly uninspiring performances throughout the first six games of the season. He’ll have a chance to pick apart the Giants corners and particularly, he may focus on targeting the new starter across from Jenkins (that may be Antonio Hamilton, but we’re not entirely sure what the plan is there).

Theoretically, the ‘Skins should have an advantage in this aspect of the game. But, Smith will be a key for the team. If he steps up, they’ll easily win. If not, they may have to rely a bit too much on the run game.

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