Redskins vs. Giants, round two: Matchups to watch, score prediction
By Ian Cummings
Redskins offense vs. Giants defense
Last time the Redskins played the Giants, Case Keenum began the game as the starting signal caller, and after an ineffective first half from Keenum, the Redskins brought in Dwayne Haskins, who looked lost in his first regular season NFL action.
The circumstances surrounding the Redskins quarterback situation are different this time around. After initially sticking with Keenum for a few more weeks after the first Giants game, the Redskins have finally invested their full confidence from Haskins, and they’re starting to reap the rewards.
Since taking on the full-time starting job in Week 9, Haskins is 95 for 166 for 1,092 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions. He’s shown growth each week, and last week, against the Philadelphia Eagles, he had his best showing yet, throwing for 19 completions, 261 yards, and two touchdowns on 28 attempts.
Last time he played the Giants, Haskins wasn’t prepared. Now, he is. Bill Callahan said in his press conference on Wednesday that Haskins is “light years” ahead of where he was in the team’s first game against New York, and that he’s getting better every week. The live reps have been big for Haskins, in terms of minimizing negative plays and creating more positive ones, and this week, he’ll have another opportunity to exploit a vulnerable defense with his newfound confidence.
The Giants are also a lot different since the last matchup. Notably, they’re in a greater state of disarray. Last time these two teams met, the Giants beat Washington to reach .500 in Week 4. Now, they’re both tied at 3-11, and New York’s top interception-getter was cut for comments made to a fan last week.
The Giants still have some threats on defense; Markus Golden is a very productive edge presence, with 9.0 sacks on the season, bolstered by a strong interior line, but aside from the front four, the Giants defense leaves a lot to be desired without Janoris Jenkins. Washington would be better equipped to succeed against New York with a more well-rounded supporting cast, but it’s not unreasonable to assume that Haskins and the Redskins could have a performance similar to Week 15.