Riggo's Rag
FanSided

Washington Football Team vs. Giants Week 9 preview, matchups to watch, score prediction

By Jacob Camenker

Washington Football Team defensive end Montez Sweat (90) tackles New York Giants running back Devonta Freeman (31) in the first half at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in East Rutherford.Nyg Vs Was
Washington Football Team defensive end Montez Sweat (90) tackles New York Giants running back Devonta Freeman (31) in the first half at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in East Rutherford.Nyg Vs Was /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Oct 18, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Austin Mack (81) draws a pass interference call on Washington Football Team cornerback Kendall Fuller (29) late in the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Austin Mack (81) draws a pass interference call on Washington Football Team cornerback Kendall Fuller (29) late in the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington Football Team defense vs. Giants offense

The defensive side of the ball is a much more favorable matchup for Washington. Simply put, the Giants offense is not good as currently constructed. Sure, they have some good receivers, but Daniel Jones simply hasn’t progressed as the Giants had hoped in his second season.

Being in Jason Garrett’s offense seems to have stunted Jones’ growth. He made some nice throws against the Buccaneers on Monday Night Football, but more often than not, critical turnovers and untimely sacks have proven to be his demise.

Washington specializes in the latter category. Chase Young and Montez Sweat are one of the most talented edge rushing duos in all of football and could soon blossom into the NFL’s best. Couple that with the interior pressure created by Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne and this unit is hard to beat.

More from Commanders News

However, despite the Giants’ poor play on the offensive line for most of the season, Washington only generated one sack the last time these two teams played. Yes, they limited the Giants to 13 offensive points and Jones dinked and dunked for most of the game, but the pass rush still needs to be a bit better.

Getting pressure and forcing turnovers or making big plays will be critical for Washington. If they can give themselves an edge on defense and help put their offense in advantageous situations, they will win. In particular, watch Young and Sweat against No. 4 pick Andrew Thomas. If they can get him out of rhythm, Jones could find himself under a lot of pressure.

If that happens, Jones will have a tough time taking advantage of the Giants’ solid receiving corps. Darius Slayton and Sterling Shepard are solid starters while Evan Engram is an athletic tight end that may be able to take advantage of Washington’s lackluster linebacker coverage. But if Jones doesn’t have time to locate them, they won’t be able to make many plays. And if Kendall Fuller can eliminate one of them (possibly Shepard in the slot) that would bode well for Washington.

Finally, the running game shouldn’t be much of a threat for the Giants. They haven’t moved the ball well on the ground all year after losing Saquon Barkley. Devonta Freeman (ankle) will be questionable for this contest and while Wayne Gallman has looked good at times starting in his place, Washington has the personnel needed to slow him down. Payne, in particular, will make a big impact in that area.

In an ideal situation, Washington’s defense should hold the Giants to fewer than 20 points. They nearly did that last time and if not for offensive miscues, they well may have done it.

Home/Commanders News