Redskins vs. Giants, part two: Five bold predictions for crucial game
By Ian Cummings
No. 2 – Redskins and Giants quarterbacks combine for six interceptions
It’s not exactly a marquee quarterback matchup taking place on Sunday afternoon. On one sideline, you have the past-his-prime version of Eli Manning, who, even with a few good games in recent weeks, clearly has not maximized the skill position groups around him. And on the other sideline, you have Mark Sanchez.
Let’s not attune with the defamatory propaganda; Sanchez has been a starting quarterback in the NFL before, and when he’s been asked to suit up as a backup, he actually hasn’t been bad, for a backup’s standards. In 2014, when he was asked to start eight games for the Eagles, in relief of Nick Foles, he threw for over 2,400 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, completing 64 percent of his passes. The next year, he put up similar proportional numbers in two starts.
The infamous ‘butt fumble’ did immense damage to Sanchez’s overall reputation, and that damage did not stop before tarnishing his reputation as a player capable of playing in the NFL. But the fact of the matter is, Sanchez is one of the best 64 quarterbacks in the world. He can be a capable backup. But the mistakes are never too far away.
In this game, the Redskins and Giants’ quarterbacks will combine for six interceptions, trying to force the issue after the defenses mount strong starts. Sanchez will prove what he can do, and why he’s been a backup for four years, and Manning will prove why he’s on the verge of being nudged out of a starting job.