Washington Commanders at New York Giants Week 13 preview

by Steve Zumbaugh · December 3, 2022

The Commanders once again will need to stop the run this week. The Giants are sixth in the NFL in rushing, but the last couple of weeks have had trouble running the ball. The biggest reason for that is because the O-line has been injured. This week they get a couple guys back, but will still have a third string left guard starting. I believe the interior of the Commanders d-line should dominate this game. Especially with the interior of the Giants O-line being banged up. On the other side of the ball the Commanders should be able to run the hell out of the ball. The Giants are 25th against the run and give up 6 yards per carry when the play has motion. Expect Brian Robinson to have over 100 rushing yards again with a touchdown.

Offense

The game plan will be to run the ball against the Giants. Expect the Commanders to use a lot of motion on run plays since the Giants struggle with it. I also expect Brian Robinson will have his best game tomorrow because Gibson isn’t 100 percent and Robinson has been running strong lately. I also expect to see more jet sweeps tomorrow with Curtis Samuel and him breaking for a big run.

For the Passing game Taylor Heinicke will need to be better. He had some misses last week that should’ve been touchdowns. Also the interception he had last week was terrible. He needs to take what the defense gives him and not force throws. Especially when he has guys open in the flat for at least a five yard pickup. If Heinicke can play better this offense will become difficult to stop.

Finally the Commanders need to be better on third downs this week. The last couple of weeks they have been a combined 33 percent on third down. I would like to see that number improve to 45 percent this week. The way to do that is running the ball well and keep the down and distance short. Also if the offense can stay disciplined and not take penalties will help too. Doing this will allow the Commanders to go on long drives and control the game.

Defense

The defensive line should have another good game this week. With the interior of the Giants offensive line not being 100 percent the Commanders should take advantage of that. They should be able to stop the Giants run attack because of this. Then when they pass the ball expect the interior of the offensive line to get pushed backed into Jones tomorrow. I expect both Jon Allen and Daron Payne to have a great game tomorrow.

For the secondary they will be without Benjamin St-Juste again this week. This means Christian Holmes will be starting tomorrow at cornerback. He played fine last week and will need to do the same this week. The Giants aren’t the best passing team in the league. They rank 28th in passing yards per game and average around 180 passing yards per game. The Giants will probably will use play action and boots to use Jones legs. If the defense can stay disciplined and stay at home on play action they should be fine. I expect either Kam Curl or Darrick Forrest to pick off Jones on a boot when he tries to throw across his body.

Finally if the Commanders can stop the run tomorrow they will win the game. This Giants offense goes as far as Saquon Barkley will carry them. In all four of the Giants have lost Barkley has rushed for less than 85 yards. If the Commanders can hold Barkley to under 85 yards they will win tomorrow.

Injury Report

Washington Commanders

WR Dax Milne is Out with a Foot injury.

CB Benjamin St-Juste is Out with an Ankle injury.

RG Trai Turner is Out with a Knee/Ankle injury.

RB Antonio Gibson is Questionable with a Foot injury.

DE Chase Young is Questionable with a Knee injury, but will most likely be Out.

New York Giants

LG Josh Ezeudu is Out with a Neck injury.

CB Adoree’ Jackson is Out with a Knee injury.

LG Shane Lemieux is Out with a Toe injury.

RB Gary Brightwell is Questionable with an Illness.

WR Richie James is Questionable with a Knee injury.

TE Daniel Bellinger is Questionable with an Eye injury.

S Dane Belton is Questionable with a Clavicle injury.

LB Carter Coughlin is Questionable with a Thigh injury.

RG Jon Feliciano is Questionable with a Neck injury.

CB Darnay Holmes is Questionable with a Shoulder injury.

CB Fabian Moreau is Questionable with an Oblique injury.

RG Mark Glowinski is Questionable with a Back injury.

WR Kenny Golladay is Questionable with an Illness.

Predictions

The Commanders should be able to run the ball against this Giants defense. I expect Robinson to have over 110 rushing yards with a touchdown. When passing the ball Heinicke needs to take what the defense gives him. If Heinicke forces stuff against the Giants the offense will struggle. For the Commanders defense the front four or five should dominate tomorrow. If they don’t it will be very difficult to win this game. My prediction is the Commanders win 24-17 and go into the bye at 8-5 in the sixth playoff spot.