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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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LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 23: Ryan Kerrigan #91 of the Washington Redskins leaves the field after the game against the Chicago Bears at FedExField on September 23, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 23: Ryan Kerrigan #91 of the Washington Redskins leaves the field after the game against the Chicago Bears at FedExField on September 23, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Redskins defense vs. Giants offense

If Eli Manning was still the starter for the Giants, one could argue that this would be an advantage to the Redskins. But with Daniel Jones at the helm, things are a little bit less certain for Washington.

In his first NFL start, Jones looked terrific and demonstrated why he was the No. 6 overall pick in the draft. Many mocked the Giants for the selection, but Jones — who was rated as my top quarterback in the 2019 NFL Draft class — showcased why they believed in him.

Jones carved up a decent Buccaneers defense with his arm and his legs, throwing for two touchdowns while scoring a couple more on the ground. He rallied the team for the come from behind victory and gave the offense something they were lacking under Manning. Energy. Jones may lack receiving weapons outside of Sterling Shepherd and Evan Engram, but he should still be able to find ways to beat a Redskins secondary that has been torched to start the season.

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In particular, Josh Norman will need to be watched in this contest. He was roasted by Taylor Gabriel on multiple occasions against the Bears and if the Giants target him with success early in this one, that could spell trouble for the Redskins. And it could mean a big day for whoever lines up across from him if he can’t find a way to up his game.

As for the Giants’ run game, the Redskins won’t have to face the injured Saquon Barkley. But they will have to deal with Wayne Gallman and an improved Giants offensive line. Gallman is only a decent back, so the Redskins should be able to slow him down. It will be important for Daron Payne to generate pressure and be disruptive at the point of attack, as the space between center Jon Halapio and left guard Will Hernandez may be the weakest spot outside of right tackle on the Giants line.

Speaking of right tackle, Ryan Kerrigan will need to attack Mike Remmers as a pass rusher and improve after a mediocre start to the season. He has one sack and has generated some pressure, but he hasn’t looked like the same dominant, consistent threat that Redskins fans have come to know over the course of the past few years.

If Kerrigan can’t step up against the Giants, it will be on Montez Sweat to find a way to beat left tackle Nate Solder, who has struggled against faster, longer defenders. Sweat could be in for a big game, but it would be nice for him to get some extra support from Kerrigan.

The Redskins haven’t proven that they can limit an offense so far this year. Jones is a wild card in only his second career start, but the Giants still hold the advantage in this one and could find a way to continue the onslaught against the Washington defensive backs.

Greg Manusky and Gruden will need to find a way to motivate this defense to play hard and get the most out of their star players like Kerrigan, Jonathan Allen, and Landon Collins. If they can’t do that, then it’s hard to see the Redskins containing the Giants.

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