Redskins/Giants Preview
The Redskins will face the woeful NY Giants on Sunday and try to salvage a .500 record for the season. An 8-8 prediction for this club at the start of the year wouldn’t have seemed far-fetched, but after the unbelievable string of injuries and the feast-or-famine nature of their performances, finishing with an even record feels like it would be a triumph. They’re well situated to do it against a Giants team that has been simply dreadful and has, for once, been a bigger train wreck than Washington.
Notes for the Game
- Despite the speculation about the Skins wanting to evaluate Colt McCoy, Cousins will start Sunday’s contest. Just like last year, there is huge uncertainty about Cousins’ future with the franchise and with this weekend’s game potentially his last in a Redskins uniform, it is especially significant. There remains a vast schism between his supporters and detractors, a fact that seems bizarre to people outside DC who are looking at his performances and (correctly) seeing an excellent franchise QB. The Cousins contract situation will undoubtedly be the biggest story of the offseason for Washington.
- The Giants have been dealing with LOTS of drama in the past few weeks, most notably with the benching of their star QB and the firing of their head coach. This week, it’s the benching of their first round draft pick Eli Apple. The young man has been a cancer in their locker room and has been suspended for the season’s final game. It looks increasingly likely he will not be with the Giants next season.
- Zach Brown will likely miss this weekend’s game. He’s not 100% and although no game is “meaningless”, this one is pretty close. Brown was leading the NFL in tackles when he stopped playing two weeks ago and really has nothing more to prove. The defense looked good last week without him against the unimpressive Broncos O-line. The Giants line is worse, so hopefully the Redskins D can turn in another decent performance.
- Chris Thompson is expected to be ready for 2018 OTAs. His recovery from a broken fibula is progressing well and the Redskins can’t wait to get him back. It’s impossible to overstate how important he was to the Skins offense prior to his injury, with the team averaging five fewer points per game since he went down. The running back position has been the Bermuda Triangle for them this year.
- Dustin Hopkins has been solid for the Skins since his return from injury two weeks ago. Nick Rose, who played extremely well is Hopkins’ absence, was released to make room on the roster and was signed immediately by the LA Chargers. Many fans were upset the team let him go, but he had a dreadful game last week, so it seems the decision was the correct one.
The 7-8 Redskins should win this game against the 2-13 Giants. That’s a reason for concern because as history shows, the Burgundy and Gold don’t always show up for what should be “easy” contests. Hopefully winning out, reaching .500, and achieving some individual accomplishments will be enough motivation to get the Skins the W.
Prediction – Washington 24, New York 13
