The Washington Commanders are back on the road in Week 7 as they travel to MetLife Stadium and face the New York Giants. New York quarterback Daniel Jones is 5-1-1 vs. Washington; however, Jones missed last week’s game with a neck injury and has yet to be cleared for contact.
If Jones can’t play, veteran Tyrod Taylor would get the start against the Commanders.
The Giants are 1-5 but have dealt with numerous injuries, and all five losses have come against 2022 playoff teams. The Commanders began the season 2-0, then lost three in a row before defeating the Falcons in Week 6.
As we continue to look ahead to Week 7, we profiled five Giants to watch for this weekend’s matchup with Washington.
RB Saquon Barkley
Everything with the Giants on offense is centered around Barkley. Barkley missed three games with an ankle injury but returned last week against the Bills. While New York only scored nine points, Barkley, running behind a makeshift offensive line, still managed to rush for 93 yards. Barkley’s numbers through three games aren’t overwhelming. Don’t tell that to the Commanders. They know all too well how dangerous Barkley is every time he touches the football. A healthy Barkley is arguably the best running back in the NFL.
TE Darren Waller
Darren Waller was supposed to transform the offense. The Giants re-signed Daniel Jones and went into the offseason planning on adding weapons for him. The top acquisition was Waller, who leads New York with 28 receptions but has yet to resemble the player who was one of the NFL’s best tight ends in 2019 and 2020. He remains a dangerous weapon and will be heavily targeted regardless of who plays quarterback.
DT Dexter Lawrence
Dexter Lawrence is one of the NFL’s best defensive tackles. Lawrence had his best professional season in 2022 with 7.5 sacks. However, Lawrence can take over games by completely shutting down an opponent’s running game. The Commanders will pass more, but every time they choose to run, they must account for Lawrence.
LB Bobby Okereke
Linebacker Bobby Okereke was a big-time free-agent addition for the Giants. New York has often ignored paying big money to a linebacker. Okereke signed a four-year deal with the Giants in the offseason and leads the team in tackles. and also has an interception and two forced fumbles. Okereke was everywhere against Buffalo. The Commanders saw Okereke with the Colts last season, but this will be the first time they’ve faced him as a Giant.
CB Deonte Banks
Deonte Banks and Emmanuel Forbes will be compared to one another for years. Forbes was benched in Week 6, while Banks picked eight spots later, has been steady for the Giants. Banks will have his hands full with Terry McLaurin on Sunday, but it should be a fun matchup to watch.
