Ben McAdoo and the New York Giants built momentum heading into the playoffs against the Washington Redskins today.
- New York Giants 19 (11-5)
- Washington Redskins 10 (8-7-1)
- NFL, Final, Box Score
- FedEx Field, Landover, Maryland
Ben McAdoo opted to play his starters for the majority of the game, securing a 19-10 win ahead of the first round of the playoffs.
Odell Beckham Jr. vs. Josh Norman
As is the case when the Giants play the Redskins, the storyline surrounds the battle between New York’s star receiver and Washington’s star cornerback.
Odell once again got the better of Norman, securing five receptions for 44 receiving yards in limited work. Additionally, with this performance, Odell becomes just the second Giant in history to secure 100 receptions.
Odell Beckham Jr. is just the 2nd Giants player in franchise history to reach 100 receptions in a single season. (via @Giants) pic.twitter.com/SgvSTX6w7Z
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) January 1, 2017
Perhaps more impressive is the fact that Beckham was able to keep his cool, despite repeated barbs from Norman. Could the Giants’ emotional receiver finally be growing up? After today’s performance it certainly seems that way.
Defensive Dominance
The Giants continued their defensive dominance today against the Redskins, holding an elite Washington offense scoreless for the better part of three quarters.
Even with the backups in for the better part of the second half, the Giants amassed four sacks, and were able to get a ton of pressure on Redskins’ QB Kirk Cousins.
HIGHLIGHT: Landon Collins with the sack! #GiantsPride https://t.co/yKVMEOFO0k
— New York Giants (@Giants) January 1, 2017
Additionally, they were able to force an interception in the red zone that stifled a promising Washington drive in the third quarter.
HIGHLIGHT: DRC with the INT! #GiantsPride https://t.co/m4arZRqHs2
— New York Giants (@Giants) January 1, 2017
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie would get another interception on the day, icing the game for the Giants, and putting the Redskins’ playoff hopes to rest.
Running Game Rejuvenated
The game against Washington was certainly the first time this season that the offense has looked truly balanced. The Giants were able to amass 161 rushing yards against the Redskins, well above their season average.
Much of that improvement is due to the breakout play of Paul Perkins, who gained 102 rushing yards on 21 carries. This was Perkins first game with more than 15 carries, and headed into the playoffs, there is no doubt that he has taken the top running back spot from Rashad Jennings.
With Perkins in the backfield, the Giants have added a whole new dimension to their offense that few teams anticipated.
Playoff Implications
While this game meant nothing in terms of seeding for the Giants, it was an important building block for momentum headed into the playoffs. Certainly, Washington’s fourth quarter comeback will raise some eyebrows, but ultimately, it came against New York’s B-team.
With the starters in the game, the Giants appeared dominant on both sides of the football against the Redskins.
The Giants won’t know who they’re playing in the Wild Card round until the clash between the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers finishes, but today’s game against Washington should alleviate some concerns fans had about this team. With a balanced offense and a dominant defense, New York is poised to make a deep playoff run.
