NY Giants may get impact defender back for Commanders showdown
By Mike Luciano
The NY Giants are gearing up for one of their biggest regular season games in years, as they will take on the 7-5-1 Washington Commanders in a game that will have immense impact on the state of the NFC Wild Card race. With the Philadelphai Eagles running away with the division, the Giants need a win here.
Though the Seattle Seahawks have lost two straight, they aren’t going anywhere. The Detroit Lions may have just enough late momentum to make a legit challenge at one of the final spots. With two more games against teams with winning records, the Giants must lean on their defense to carry them to victory.
Their front seven hasn’t been as effective as possible this season, as Leonard Williams has been in and out of the lineup. While the Giants have had some rotten injury luck, they have received some good news about the direction Williams is starting to trend in.
According to head coach Brian Daboll, Williams will likely play in this game despite being listed as questionable with a neck injury. Having him back in the middle of this defensive line is going to be a terrific asset for the Giants to lean on as they try to avenge their tie.
Brian Daboll’s Giants looking for some London vibes with these tunes. Leonard Williams, Landon Collins, Jihad Ward, Nick McCloud all look prepared to play on defense. Richie James as return/slot, too. Think Ben Bredeson factors on OL, as well. Will see. pic.twitter.com/z92Tg9NDL9
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) December 16, 2022
The New York Giants could see Leonard Williams return soon
Williams has taken on a much different role in Wink Martindale’s defense. While he recorded 18 sacks in his first two years as a Giant, the emergence of Dexter Lawrence has taken some of the pressure off the former USC star. He has just 1.5 sacks in nine games, but he has still been effective.
While getting to Taylor Heinicke is going to be of the utmost importance, Washington will try to get their young running back duo of Antonio Gibson and Brian Robinson Jr. going early in this game. The veteran run-stuffer will have his work cut out for him in this game.
Given the state of these two teams, this matchup will likely be a low-scoring grinder in which the winner is determined by who dominates the line of scrimmage. Even in his compromised state, Williams is an impactful player that Washington needs to take very seriously.
Dexter Lawrence says he and Leonard Williams hang out in the offseason, but Lawrence won't go fishing in the water with him 😂 pic.twitter.com/cnt0arDvry
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) November 17, 2022
The Giants still have very solid postseason odds, but this Washington game may be more important than any other matchup on their schedule. Williams coming back will play a huge role in determining the winner of this game. With a somewhat iffy offensive line, Williams may feast.
