The New York Giants (11-5) defeated the Washington Redskins (8-7-1) 19-10 on Sunday and eliminated them from playoff contention.
In what deemed as a meaningless game for the New York Giants, the defense was dominant from the start forcing the three three-and-outs on the Washington Redskins first five possessions. The offense continued to struggle but they did enough to pick up the win.Considering the Giants had nothing to play for and the Redskins were playing for their playoff lives. This can be considered one of the best wins the Giants had all season.
Several players stood out, but we can only hand out five game balls.
Here are the game balls for the NFL playoff-bound New York Giants:
1. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie has been one of the unsung heroes for the Giants defense this season. He’s played nickel corner and on the outside and deserved Pro Bowl consideration.
Sunday was his finest game of the season. He recorded his first sack and had two key interceptions. His first pick came in the third quarter with the Redskins at the Giants 23-yard line. Kirk Cousins was attempting a pass to Maurice Harris along the left sideline that Cromartie jumped in front of for the interception and managed to keep both his feet inbounds.
His second interception came with just 1:27 remaining in the game and the Giants up 13-10 and the Redskins at the Giants 43-yard line. Cousins was attempting to connect with Pierre Garcon on a post pattern that Cromartie stepped in front of Garcon for the interception to seal the victory for the Giants.
If not for the two interceptions by DRC the outcome of the game could have been different which is why he deserves the first of our game balls.
2. Paul Perkins
Over the past month, Paul Perkins as emerged as the Giants most productive running back, and after his performance against the Redskins will likely be the starter in the playoffs.
He became the only Giants running back to rush for 100 yards this season as he ran the ball 21 times for 102 yards. Redskins defenders had difficulties all game trying to stop Perkins quick and powerful running style.
Sunday was the third game in a row in which he’s averaged at least 4.5 yards per game. In addition to his running, Perkins has gotten better at his pass protection as the Giants confidence in him has grown.
When general manager Jerry Reese drafted Perkins in the fifth last year’s draft, he believed Perkins would be the Giants running back of the future. Reese was right in his assessment of Perkins as the Giants will rely on him during the playoffs.
3. Damon Harrison
One of the reasons the Giants defense has given up only 25 touchdowns this season is because of the play of defensive tackle Damon Harrison. On Sunday he had four tackles and had a sack. He was one of the main reasons the Redskins were only able to gain 38 yards on 15 carries. He also showed his athleticism for a 6’4
On Sunday, he had four tackles and had a sack. He was one of the main reasons the Redskins were only able to gain 38 yards on 15 carries. He also showed his athleticism for a 6-foot-3, 350-pound man by defending a screen pass that was Chris Thompson in the fourth quarter.
Statistics never do Harrison justice, as he is constantly doubled team which allows his teammates to make plays. He should have made the Pro Bowl this season, but if it’s any consolation to Harrison, he gets one of our game balls.
4. Landon Collins
Landon Collins was making plays all over the field on Sunday. He finished the game with a team-high eight tackles and two of those tackles were for losses. He also recorded a sack on the last play of the first quarter on a 3rd-and-14 on the Redskins 30-yard line.
Collins is the quarterback of the Giants secondary, and his awareness was one of the reasons the Redskins were unable to connect on a big play to DeSean Jackson.
Collins has already been named to his first Pro Bowl, and will likely make the All-Pro team, and possibly be named Defensive Player of the Year. He’ll also get our fourth game ball.
5. Odell Beckham Jr.
The box score will show that Odell Beckham Jr had five receptions for just 44 yards. But he did reach a milestone in becoming only the second New York Giant to have over 100 receptions in a season (101). Only Steve Smith back in 2009 has
He also won his one on one matchup with cornerback Josh Norman especially when it came to keeping his composure. Norman was clearly trying to get in Beckham by pushing him after plays and one time head butt him. But Beckham kept his cool and it was Norman who drew personal foul penalties this time around.
The poise Beckham showed today is exactly how the Giants will need him to act as the move into the playoffs and hope to capture their fifth Lombardi trophy.