Here we are again. Two weeks after the Washington Commanders and New York Giants met in the Meadowlands, the two old NFC East rivals are back at it again. This time, it’s under the lights on Sunday Night Football.
This is arguably the most significant game in this rivalry in over 30 years. Considering these teams tied just two weeks ago, the stakes are even bigger as Washington and New York hold identical 7-5-1 records. The winner of this game is well-positioned to earn one of the NFC’s final two wild-card spots. The loser can still make the playoffs, but the road will be much more difficult.
How can Washington win the rematch? We’ve identified four keys to the victory for the Commanders in Week 15.
Stop Daniel Jones from running the ball
Daniel Jones had his way against Washington’s defense in the first half two weeks ago. Jones rushed for 56 yards in the first half. However, after halftime, the Commanders tightened things up and kept Jones in the pocket. Once Jones stayed in the pocket, New York’s passing game wasn’t as effective as he rushed some easy throws he was making in the first half.
Load the box vs. Saquon Barkley
What we said about Daniel Jones also applied to running back Saquon Barkley. Barkley was terrific against the Commanders in the first 30 minutes, heading into halftime with 60 rushing yards. However, much like Jones, Washington’s defense stuffed Barkley every time he touched the ball in the second half and overtime. The Commanders made Jones throw the ball more, and New York’s offense was less effective. Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio should employ a similar strategy Sunday. Load an extra defender in the box and hope your cornerbacks can win one-on-one matchups against the Giants wide receivers. Washington should like its chances there if cornerback Benjamin St-Juste returns.
Scheme easy throws for Taylor Heinicke
This isn’t a slight toward Heinicke. The Giants hit him 10 times and sacked him five times two weeks ago. Heinicke still produced good numbers, including a flawless game-tying drive late in the fourth quarter. Washington fans want to crush Heinicke or offensive coordinator Scott Turner at times, but pass protection is a major issue. As former Washington tight end Chris Cooley pointed out, the Commanders are in max protection 70% of the time. That’s an alarming number. Washington had success passing the ball two weeks ago, so Turner should scheme multiple touches for Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel and Jahan Dotson. Both McLaurin and Dotson scored touchdowns in Week 13 by picking up yards after the catch.
Ride Robinson and Gibson
In the last two weeks before the bye, rookie running back Brian Robinson Jr. rushed for a combined 201 yards. Robinson is clearly feeling good after being slowed early in the season after being shot in the leg in August. Antonio Gibson was Washington’s most effective rusher until the last two games, so Turner should do everything possible to keep both running backs involved. With pass protection an issue, Turner should work to get Gibson some opportunities in space. Robinson should see at least 20 carries against the Giants. If he reaches that number, it bodes well for the Commanders.
