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Redskins vs. Giants: Previewing Jay Gruden’s last stand, matchups to watch, more

By Jacob Camenker

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 30: Head coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Redskins looks on against the Baltimore Ravens in the first half of a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 30: Head coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Redskins looks on against the Baltimore Ravens in the first half of a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 08: Wide receiver Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Redskins celebrates his touchdown reception with teammate quarterback Case Keenum #8 against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on September 8, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 08: Wide receiver Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Redskins celebrates his touchdown reception with teammate quarterback Case Keenum #8 against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on September 8, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Redskins offense vs. Giants defense

On the bright side for Jay Gruden, his Redskins offense figures to have a good matchup against a hapless Giants defense. So far to start the year, the Giants haven’t been able to stop any of the offenses they have faced. That includes allowing three first-quarter touchdowns to Mike Evans and the Buccaneers last week.

The Giants have minimal pass rushing talent. Markus Golden is solid, but aside from him, the team doesn’t have much in the way of pressure. Their secondary and linebackers are mostly awful and have major issues in coverage. That could mean that this week’s game could favor the Redskins’ receivers.

To start the year, the unit once viewed as a weakness for Washington has looked strong. Terry McLaurin is a great route runner and has the speed needed to continue on as a stud. Paul Richardson has played well and has done well with increased attention paid to McLaurin. Trey Quinn in the slot has been consistent too. These three guys could have big games against the Giants, especially if the quarterback throws early and often.

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Speaking of “the quarterback”, I use that term solely because Case Keenum is dealing with a foot injury. It seems likely that he will be able to play, but if he doesn’t, Dwayne Haskins and Colt McCoy will be up on game day with Haskins likely to start. That isn’t guaranteed and it’s looking like Keenum will be playing, but this will be something to watch for sure.

No matter who is at quarterback, they will have to take advantage of the matchup with the Washington receivers against the Giants defense. The receivers could feast on that defense if the quarterbacks can hit them with accuracy, so that will be the No. 1 thing to watch from this standpoint.

As for the run game, Adrian Peterson and Chris Thompson need to be fed more consistently. Gruden needs to stop being predictable and should consider running a play-action pass to start the game while then trying to run down the throat of the Giants when they’re more off balance. Look for a more balanced snap share between Peterson and Thompson in this one as the offense has been more effective with Thompson so far. But still, Peterson brings the power and perhaps the two could play a bit more than usual together.

The backs will face solid resistance from the Giants’ defensive line, as Dalvin Tomlinson and Dexter Lawrence are two big-bodied run stuffers. The offensive line will need to play well in order to generate some push and keep the Redskins from once again being rendered one dimensional.

Of all the games they’ve had so far this season, this is one where the ‘Skins may have the advantage on offense. The major concern will be about who is starting at quarterback, and that wild card could ultimately cap the potential of this offense.

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