7 bold Washington Commanders predictions vs. the NY Giants in Week 2
By Dean Jones
Commanders secure 5+ sacks
Baker Mayfield proved to be a slippery customer in Week 1. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback was incredibly elusive in the pocket and worked wonders to escape pressure. This was something the Washington Commanders couldn't counteract effectively en route to an opening-day loss.
This was disappointing, but the fact they were disrupting the line of scrimmage was pleasing. Turning these pressures into sacks is the next big challenge. Especially considering the ability of New York Giants signal-caller Daniel Jones to make plays on the move.
Jones might be struggling for form, but he's been a constant thorn in Washington's side since entering the league. Making every tackle count and arriving quickly to the contact point is the only way they can limit this area of his game. It won't be easy, but this is not the first time Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. have schemed against the former first-round pick.
Finding a way to get sacks would make a significant difference. If they can get to five, that would almost guarantee a profitable afternoon at the office defensively.
Commanders win by 10+ points
It's hard to say this is a must-win game. But that's what it appears looking at the current state of affairs.
The Commanders or New York Giants cannot afford to start their season at 0-2. This puts them on the back foot right out of the gate and in Washington's case, would burst their newly-acquired optimism bubble pretty quickly.
A rousing effort is needed from Dan Quinn's men. There will be an expectant fanbase demanding that pride is restored in some capacity. That means taking advantage of the lack of confidence within the Giants and putting together a performance that can send them home happy.
All the positivity away from the gridiron is well and good. If this doesn't translate to a competitive setting and the Commanders continue to put out a poor football product, that's a big problem.
Washington didn't shine in Week 1. Dwelling on that for too long is only going to hurt their cause moving forward. This is the perfect chance to get right and prove to the NFL world that this operation is not the same walkover of previous campaigns.