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Redskins vs. Giants: Keys to victory in Week 16 of the 2019 season

By Kyle Hundley

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 28: Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants carries the ball as Montae Nicholson #35 of the Washington Redskins defends on October 28,2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 28: Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants carries the ball as Montae Nicholson #35 of the Washington Redskins defends on October 28,2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 17: Head coach Bill Callahan and offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell of the Washington Redskins react to a play during the first half of the game against the New York Jets at FedExField on November 17, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 17: Head coach Bill Callahan and offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell of the Washington Redskins react to a play during the first half of the game against the New York Jets at FedExField on November 17, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

4. Redskins must do better on third-down on both sides of the ball

The Redskins’ defense had their opportunities to get off the field against the Eagles. They did not. The Eagles routinely converted on third down, finishing an impressive 11 of 16. The Washington offense didn’t do much better on third down than the defense. They failed to convert on a pivotal third-down near the end of the game, having to settle for a field goal to take the lead 27-24. On the day, they finished just 4 of 10 on third-down. Both sides of the ball must do better this week on this down.

On the season, the ‘Skins are allowing opposing offenses to convert on almost 48 percent of their third-down opportunities, currently the second-worst team behind the Texans (and by just .02 percent). Offensively, they are not doing much better. Washington has been converting just 28 percent of their third-down attempts. They are currently the worst team in the league in converting on third down.

The Redskins struggled mightily on third down in the first matchup against New York. They went just 2 of 11 on offense and allowed the Giants to convert 8-13 of their attempts. If that happens again in their second matchup and Washington cannot make the necessary plays on this critical down, expect them to drop to 3-12 on the season.

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