Giants Look Ahead To A Rematch With RGIII And The Redskins
The New York Giants are coming off of a convincing victory on Sunday night against the Green Bay Packers and they ‘ll now continue their playoff push against the Washington Redskins next week on Monday night. If the Giants (7-4) have realized anything this season in the NFC east it’s that anything can happen, however a win in Washington would give them much more breathing room going forward as the division leaders.
It wasn’t exactly a walk in the park for the Giants when they hosted the Redskins (5-6) at MetLife Stadium back in week 7. It took a 77-yard touchdown pass from Eli Manning to Victor Cruz as well as a fumble by Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss in the final two minutes of the game to secure a victory for Big Blue.
The Redskins would go on to lose their next two games, however since returning from their bye week have defeated Philadelphia and Dallas respectiviely. Those were two big wins against division opponents and they have helped set the stage for their Monday night rematch with the Giants.
The Giants defense struggled to contain Redskins rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III in Week 7 and based on what he’s been doing lately, they are going to be in for another hard-fought battle on Monday night. RGIII is progressing rapidly, the accuracy and poise he’s shown this season combined with his ability to run with the football has made him a human highlight film waiting to happen.
The Redskins have a quarterback who’s put up 8 touchdowns in the last two games. RGIII has a hot hand and he’s playing with confidence that’s growing by the week. The Giants may have kept Green Bay and their superstar quarterback Aaron Rogers in check, however they are facing an entirely different type of monster this week in Griffin and a team that believes they can make a run at the playoffs.
Washington has found a healthy run-pass balance in their offense that’s also benefited Griffin’s progession this season. Albert Morris has been a pleasant surprise at running back for Washington and he gave the Giants absolute fits in their week 7 matchup. (22 carries for 120 yards)
The Giants are gonna have to take away the run game and force RGIII to beat them or make him uncomfortable early and get ahead on the scoreboard before Washington can get into any type of offensive rhythm. Easier said than done.
One look at the remainder of the schedule for the Giants and this is a game they need to have. New Orleans, Atlanta, and Baltimore will each be big-time showdowns on the calendar and if the Giants stumble in Washington it could very well take away what little breathing room they do have in the playoff push.