Doing the double over a division rival would cement the Washington Commanders' case to take full control of the NFC East. Beating the New York Giants again will demand key contributions from an under-the-radar trio that includes a rookie tight end and a once highly-touted pass-rusher trying to revive his career with the Burgundy and Gold.
These players can help the Commanders boss the edges on both sides of the ball at MetLife Stadium. That means the offense controlling Giants outside linebackers Azeez Ojulari and Brian Burns. It also means Washington's defense exploiting the G-Men's obvious weakness at left tackle.
There's even room for Jayden Daniels and an underused wide receiver to dissect a Giants secondary vulnerable in two areas.
Ben Sinnott must help Commanders' blocking scheme
Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury needs to keep in-form quarterback hunters Ojulari and Burns quiet. Making regular use of the two-tight end set is the way to do it, so Ben Sinnott should get plenty of reps.
The second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft didn't make a single catch during Week 8's last-gasp win over the Chicago Bears, but no matter. Sinnott can be more useful outside of a role as a receiver.
Instead, the 6-foot-4, 247-pounder should measure his effectiveness by how he fares in blocking assignments on the outside. Ojulari and Burns have both been feasting in recent weeks, with the pair combining for eight sacks across the last three games.
Those numbers should have the Commanders worried. Especially when offensive tackles Trent Scott and Andrew Wylie struggled mightily against the Bears. However, Brandon Coleman's return should help improve the blindside.
They need help, so Kingsbury should put a tight end next to each tackle on every snap. Sinnott and John Bates are the Commanders' best blockers at the position, so they should help double New York's talented edge disruptors.
Giving the tackles help will also let the Commanders slide interior protection toward the linchpin of the Giants' defensive front seven, All-Pro nose tackle Dexter Lawrence II.
Clelin Ferrell must punish the Giants' weakness at left tackle
He's never lived up to the billing as the fourth player drafted back in 2019, but Clelin Ferrell ought to be relishing a matchup against the Giants. Big Blue's whole offensive line has been derailed by All-Pro left tackle Andrew Thomas landing on injured reserve and requiring foot surgery.
To the surprise of nobody, converted guard Josh Ezeudu was unable to fill in, but Chris Hubbard might have fared even worse against the Pittsburgh Steelers last week. He was victimized by outside linebacker Alex Highsmith, who generated 11 pressures and a sack, per Next Gen Stats.
Alex Highsmith generated a career-high 12 pressures and 2 sacks on 38 pass rushes, with 11 pressures and a sack coming against left tackle Chris Hubbard, who was signed off the 49ers' practice squad just 10 days ago.
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) October 29, 2024
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Believe it or not, Hubbard is set to start again, so Ferrell needs to hit the accelerator early and collapse the pocket. He probably won't post Highsmith-level numbers, but Ferrell can be a frequent visitor to the grid square of besieged Giants quarterback Daniel Jones.
Olamide Zaccheaus can feast after the catch
He was missing in action against the Bears, but Olamide Zaccheaus should be more of a factor this week. Winning on quick routes underneath and converting short passes into yards after the catch is what the wide receiver does well, but defending those things is far from a strength for the Giants.
Numbers from Pro Football Reference reveal the Giants' three primary cornerbacks - Deonte Banks, Cor'Dale Flott, and rookie Andru Phillips - have each allowed quarterback ratings over 100. More important for Zaccheaus, Banks has given up 134 yards after the catch, Phillips 90, and Flott 75.
Just like Ferrell against Hubbard, Zaccheaus versus this cornerback group is a matchup win for the Commanders. A few early shallow crossers and option routes out of the slot should set the tone for a more high-percentage, but still highly productive, passing game for Daniels.
The 6-2 Commanders are entering this game with all the momentum against an opponent enduring a three-game losing streak. More than the records, the Commanders own superior personnel and several matchup advantages.
Making those advantages count is the key to victory.