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Redskins vs. Giants: 5 players to watch in Week 8 of 2018

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 – NOVEMBER 15: Linebacker Preston Smith #94 of the Washington Redskins waits to be introduced before playing the New Orleans Saints at FedExField on November 15, 2015 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 15: Linebacker Preston Smith #94 of the Washington Redskins waits to be introduced before playing the New Orleans Saints at FedExField on November 15, 2015 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/Getty Images) /

This season, Preston Smith has yet to post a sack. Even for a streaky player like Smith, that is hard to believe. His time may soon be coming, and the Giants could be his opportunity to have a big day.

So far this season, the Giants offensive tackles haven’t played well. Nate Solder has been a middling option on the left side. Ereck Flowers was cut, and the new starter at right tackle, Chad Wheeler, is nothing more than a middling option. Smith has the athletic ability and length to beat both of these options consistently.

With the Giants likely to focus on the talented young interior line of the Redskins and also give Ryan Kerrigan some attention, Smith could fly under the radar. After all, he hasn’t been a great pass rusher this season, so why would he draw the most attention of the Giants? Savvy Redskins fans know that isn’t a good idea, but it’s possible that the Giants coaching staff may have recency bias when evaluating Smith.

If Smith can consistently work his way into the backfield and pressure Eli Manning, he could have a big day. In fact, multiple sacks are not out of the question for him, and he should continue to be solid in run defense as well.

If Smith can’t break out this week and get his first sack, it will be a red flag for him ahead of free agency. Expect the former second-rounder out of Mississippi State to be ready to produce and prove himself.

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