I think this Skins team is underrated. They dropped a close game at home against a good Philly team and lost to a Texans team on the road that had Clowney and Foster playing. We don't get the opportunity of playing a one dimensional team like we did on Sunday.
We go on the road against a top 10 rushing team (31 attempts p/g for 135 yards p/g) and a top 5 passing team (40 attempts p/g for 308 p/g). That's a nice balanced offense and Cousins is certainly more than a game manager. The Giants defense hasn't been blown out and I don't think the Skins are the team that's going to do it. Our defense looked good Sunday, but will get more of a challenge this week.
On defense they are down some players, but they absolutely shut down McCoy Sunday. They are a top 5 defensive unit against the run (64.7 yard per game). Foster rushed for 103 on them while every other running game has been a no-show. Our offensive line showed something finally Sunday which is encouraging, but it may have troubles here running the ball. The passing D does suck (bottom 10) and I'm not sure what kind of pressure they've been getting on the QB though they do have 10 sacks so they are doing something right there.
I'd think the Giants should try and open up the run game via short passes so the Giants can call their offensive plays at will. On defense I get the feeling they are going to torch us for at least 2 big touchdowns. Need to pressure Cousins big time and not let Morris get going. At this point in the season I'd hope the strange turnovers the Giants have had (special teams, unforced fumbles) are over.
Do we get Beason back? I thought McClain filled in fine. What about safety? Whats going on with Stevie Brown? Outside of Beason we appear healthier than them which is a plus. Still, this game has the feel of a primetime Giants let down turned BBI implosion.
NOTE: Yes, the Giants could very well lose this game because they aren't very good, either. As I've said before, that doesn't mean the Redskins are a good team.
The Giants historically play up or down to the level of competition, particularly in NFC East games.
I'm not saying Washington is a playoff caliber team - I predicted a 5 win season for them earlier this month. But I am saying they are a dangerous team, as evidenced by their game on Sunday against the 3-0 Eagles. They came within a field goal of tying that game at the very end, and very easily could've stolen a win in Philadelphia.
The phrase "On Any Given Sunday" actually has merit. As Beezer said, I'm concerned about every game we play. Especially this season.
They've allowed the most points scored of all NFC East teams.
And there are the NY Giants, right behind them with 77 points against.
Remind me why everyone is so confident right now????
The Eagles weren't a good defense last year either and didn't really improve their talent level.
Wk1: 17 points (Jacksonville)
Wk2: 24 points (Colts)
Wk3: 34 points (Redskins)
Game 1, vs. Houston: 6 points.
Game 2, vs. Jax: 41 points.
Game 3, vs. Phil: 34 points.
That's a lot better than our 25th ranked offense:
Game 1, vs. Detroit: 14 points.
Game 2, vs. Arizona: 14 points.
Game 3, vs. Houston: 30 points.
Their defense is ranked 4th in the NFL. Ours is ranked 22nd.
Look, I'm not saying the Giants will lose and I'm not saying Washington is a great team. I don't think that's the main point of the original thread post. But Washington is not a pushover, and the Giants are not a great team. This will be a tough game.
I just quibble with the idea that the Redskins are "underrated" because they barely lost to a very flawed Eagles team and pulverized the wretched Jaguars.
Same for Washington, who actually lost a lot of talent to injury. That game sunday was a shootout for a reason. These are both offense-first teams.
Are you really prepared to declare that the Giants - these New York Giants of 2014 - ought not be terribly concerned about their opponents this week?
Really?
Really???
They should have the appropriate level of concern and preparation. Just like I'd suggest every week, since the Giants aren't good enough to overlook anybody.
That said, this fan-driven belief that an "underrated" opponent is somehow going to catch the team itself off guard is utter lunacy. If the Giants lose, it won't be because they aren't prepared for what the Redskins do.