It appears as though the New York Giants Week 17 game against the Washington Redskins as a normal contest. Here are the keys to victory.
Some have questioned head coach Ben McAdoo for intending to play his starters in a game that’s meaningless to the New York Giants, but it does present the Big Blue with an opportunity to avenge its 29-27 Week 3 loss to Washington and eliminate them from playoff contention.Here are the keys to victory for the Giants:
1. Don’t get beat deep by DeSean Jackson
In his last two games against the Giants, DeSean Jackson has scored on touchdowns of 63 and 44 yards. His 44-yard score in Week 3 helped turn the momentum of the game in the Redskins favor. The Giants may be without their best cornerback Janoris Jenkins, who is nursing a back injury. So, it’s imperative that the Giants cornerbacks and safeties do not let Jackson get behind them for a big play.
2. Ball security
During the Skins loss, the Giants turned the ball over three times, including an interception on their final drive. They should be able to move the ball against the Redskins as they did in the first matchup totaling 457 yards of offense. But they can’t afford to end drives and blow scoring opportunities by turning the ball over.
3. Establish the run
If the Giants are going to make a deep run in the playoffs, they’re going to need to run the ball better. The Giants are currently 29th in the NFL in rushing at 83.4 yards per game, but did have success in Week 3, gaining 120 yards on 21 carries. Giants will need to find their bread and butter run plays for the playoff run. Sunday gives them the opportunity to do that.
4. Protect Eli Manning
The Redskins are currently tied for seventh in sacks with 37. Linebacker Ryan Kerrigan leads the team with 11. The Giants will need to have their tight ends and running backs to help protect Eli Manning against the outside pass rushers in Washington’s 3-4 scheme.
5. Get the ball to Odell
Odell Beckham Jr has a chance to lead the league in receiving yards as he trails T.Y. Hilton by just 30 yards. Based on his history against the Redskins he has a very good chance or surpassing Hilton. In four career games against the Redskins, Beckham is averaging 121 receiving yards a game and has five touchdowns. Nobody on the Redskins including Josh Norman can matchup against Beckham.
