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The Washington Redskins (4-6) host the New York Giants (5-5) on Sunday in a pivotal matchup in the NFC East Division. The Redskins have lost five straight against the Giants and five out of their last six games against them.
Unlike many of those matchups, this one has major implications on crowning an NFC East champion. If the Redskins can get the home victory, they will be tied for the division lead with the Giants and potentially the Philadelphia Eagles after Week 12.
Here are three keys to the game for both the Giants and Redskins
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1. Attack the defense over the top
In the Giants' first win over the Redskins back in Week 3, it took a 30-yard deep post route over the top of Washington's defense for New York's offense to really get rolling. Odell Beckham Jr. caught that one, and later in the game, Rueben Randle added a 41-yard touchdown on a go route. The Redskins spent a lot of money to fix their defense this past offseason, but they are still susceptible to getting burned deep -- free safety Dashon Goldson is clearly not the answer. New York's offense is set up to take advantage of quick-hitting plays that get the ball out fast to the skill position player, but lately they've opened things up and taken more deep shots. They will have to do more of that in this matchup.
2. Use extra defensive attention on DeSean Jackson
After a slow first game back from his lingering hamstring injury in Week 10, Jackson led the Redskins in receptions, yards and targets in Week 11. He finished with 87 yards and a touchdown on five receptions. Jackson made his greatest impact on a first half go route that he took 56 yards for a touchdown. The Giants have given up big plays down the seam and over the top in coverage this season, and although starting cornerback Prince Amukamara is set to return to action in this game, the smart move to use a safety over the top of Jackson at all times.
3. Give Orleans Darkwa a chance to get things rolling in the run game
At one point early in the season, the Redskins had a stout run defense. That has faded in recent weeks -- they've allowed 471 yards rushing over their past three games. The best running back between the tackles that the Giants have is Darkwa. He has averaged the most yards per carry, most yards after contact per attempt, and forced the most missed tackles per touch of any Giants back. The Giants need to start the game off with Darkwa and stick with him throughout against a Redskins defense that has faded across the board.
1. Get Jordan Reed involved
Once again, the Redskins decided not to target Reed until the game was out of hand in Week 11, and the result was a blowout loss. Reed is a key factor in Washington's offense, and he needs to get targets early and often. He is currently dealing with a sprained PCL that he played through in Week 11 and he is expected to be a full go for Week 12. The Giants don't have the linebackers or safeties to keep up with Reed in this matchup. When the two teams played in Week 3, Reed racked up 96 yards receiving on six receptions.
2. Generate pressure through the A gap
The Giants could be without starting center Weston Richburg (ankle) and starting left guard Justin Pugh (concussion). These two players have enjoyed breakout seasons after changing positions from where they played in 2014. They are the strength of New York's offensive line, and without them, the Giants could be in trouble. Throughout his career, Manning has dealt with pressure off the edge, but he struggles to perform when there is consistent pressure up the middle.
3. Don't abandon the screen game with Matt Jones
After racking up 131 yards receiving, including a 76-yard touchdown on a screen pass, in Week 10, Jones was held to just 12 yards receiving in Washington's Week 11 loss. The Redskins stopped targeting him in the passing game and on screen passes despite his past success and larger role with Alfred Morris injured. In Week 12, they have to go back to Jones in the passing game because the Giants have struggled to defend the short-middle of the field all season.
