Redskins vs. Giants, part two: 5 Keys to Victory in Week 14
By Kyle Hundley
No. 3 – Redskins must get the run defense back on track
Early in the season, it appeared as if the 2018 Redskins’ run defense had turned the corner, as they were bottling up one elite running back right after another. The vaunted ‘Bama Wall and their ability to stop the run was instrumental to the teams surprising 5-2 start.
However, over the last five weeks, this has not been the case, as this defense looks like a shadow of itself. Teams are having their way on this defense and Greg Manusky hasn’t had an answer. It has appeared at times as if he is not running the right defense schematically and he has failed to make the necessary adjustments in-game as well. Not all of that is on Manusky though, as missed tackles and penalties are on the players.
Saquon Barkley is arguably the best running back in the league already. He does it all. He has hit 100 yards in three straight games and has been looking unstoppable lately. He did have one of his worst games of the season against the Redskins in their first matchup, as he only had 38 yards on 13 carries. The Giants have made some changes along their line that have helped some of their early offensive issues though.
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The Redskins’ defensive line has to be ready to step up. They must get back to the fundamentals this week on run defense that they were so good at early in the season. Being physical at the point of attack and maintaining gap responsibility will be huge when going against Barkley. Some of his best runs this year have been on cutbacks with defenders out of their gaps. It will also be up to Ryan Kerrigan and Preston Smith to set the edge as well. If the Redskins can bottle up Barkley, they will be in excellent position to take this game.