New York Giants (7-4) at Washington Redskins (5-6), 1 p.m. Eastern Sunday at FedEx Field, Landover, Maryland
By Ben Kelly - InReeseWeTrust.com 12/4/10
What happened last week?
The Redskins lost at home to the 3-7 Vikings last week in the debut of interim-head coach Leslie Frazier. Frazier relied on a power running game behind Adrian Peterson and rookie back Toby Gerhart, who ran for 76 yards on 22 carries after Peterson went down with a second quarter injury. Brett Favre threw an efficient 15 of 23 for 172 yards performance. On offense, Washington was stymied all day by an aggressive Minnesota front. Collectively, the running game produced 29 yards on 13 carries. Following a successful opening drive on which Donovan McNabb went 8 for 8 and a touchdown, the offense punted on its next five possessions. McNabb finished 21 of 35 for 211 yards and an interception, raising his total to a career-tying 13 in what is becoming his worst season since his rookie campaign.
What to expect from the Redskins:
The running back corps is hampered by injury, as both Clinton Portis and reliable backup Ryan Torain missed last week’s game. Portis is on season ending injured reserve and Torain was inactive with a hamstring injury. That leaves running duties to Keiland Williams and James Davis, who have a 220 career yards rushing combined. This development leaves the game on the shoulders of Donovan McNabb, who is missing his explosive playmakers currently in Michael Vick’s toy box. However, just a week before the offense stalled against Minnesota, McNabb threw for 376 yards in an overtime victory over Tennessee. Washington’s offensive statistics are often misleading; they are 3-3 when rushing for over 100 yards, and even beat the Packers with 51 total rushing.
What to expect from the Giants:
At halftime last week against the streaking Jaguars, the G-Men fought the season from rolling away and responded with an 18-3 second half for a narrow three-point victory. The defense limited Jacksonville to 92 second half yards and forced two turnovers and four total sacks. Missing both Steve Smith and Hakeem Nicks allowed Mario Manningham and Kevin Boss to step up, combining to catch six of Eli Manning’s 14 completions in an efficient day on offense. The defense produced another fine start against the productive David Garrard, who went 20 of 35 for just 162 yards. Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw both had excellent games in reaction to Jacobs’ promotion, totaling 27 touches for 160 yards. If the Giants carry their second half momentum into Washington, this game won’t be competitive.
Prediction:
In the two games since Washington’s week ten destruction against Philadelphia in which the Eagles scored 59 points, Washington’s defense has allowed just 16.5 points per game. If the Redskins defense that allows an NFL worst 400.9 yards per game can limit red zone touchdowns against the Giants, this game will come down to the final minutes. Fortunately for New York, Donovan McNabb is not capable of carrying the Redskins on his back against the NFL’s number two defense. McNabb has been sacked 31 times on the season, the same number of times the Giants have dropped opposing quarterbacks. Expect the numbers to rise and McNabb to have a rough day on the field. Giants win, 23-13.
Last week prediction: 21-17 Giants (24-20 actual)
Season prediction record: 8-3
What’s YOUR score?
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