Here’s what to observe for when the Commanders host the Giants (8:20 p.m., NBC).
Prioritize containing Daniel Jones on the ground
Quite a bit has been product of Jones’s talents as a runner, particularly in opposition to the Commanders, and rightfully so. Jones has eclipsed 70 yards speeding in three of his final 4 video games versus Washington, together with a 71-yard efficiency in Week 13, and ranks fifth within the NFL amongst quarterbacks with 548 yards. Washington will likely be seeking to prioritize stopping Jones as a runner.
The Commanders have resisted the temptation of assigning a spy when dealing with cell quarterbacks, in favor of attacking the mesh level, the world the place the quarterback and working again come collectively throughout a possible handoff. During this week’s media availability, defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio was cautious of discussing how his unit will modify.
“Yeah, it’s not something I like to talk about,” Del Rio stated. “Obviously, you don’t want the guys running. You gotta try and slow down guys that can [run] and use the different tools that are available.”
While Jones’s working skill should be addressed, the best way his mobility can open up the Giants’ passing recreation probably performs into how the Commanders will defend him. Despite having one of the vital disruptive defensive traces within the NFL, Washington recorded only one sack by way of the primary 56 minutes of the groups’ final assembly.
Is Heinicke magic sustainable for a complete recreation?
For as good a job as Taylor Heinicke has finished in serving to the Commanders revive their postseason hopes, Washington has nonetheless struggled to register an entire offensive efficiency.
Through 13 video games, the Commanders have been held scoreless for a complete quarter in 10 of them. Washington failed to attain in two or extra quarters in six of these 10 contests — tied for second most amongst groups that will make the playoffs if the season ended at present.
The Commanders’ tie with the Giants illustrates why the crew wants extra from its offense, regardless of doing nearly every little thing proper in that recreation. The protection did its half, holding New York to twenty factors and 316 complete yards. Washington possessed the ball for 41-plus minutes and the working recreation produced 165 yards.
Yet, the Commanders nonetheless wanted a late 90-yard landing drive simply to achieve time beyond regulation.
Assist offensive line with fast throws
When Heinicke took over for Carson Wentz, his skill to evade stress was an apparent motive. But after the quarterback took 5 sacks and one other 10 hits two weeks in the past, the Commanders must do extra to assist out their offensive line.
With one in all its most constant offensive linemen, Saahdiq Charles, out with a concussion and Trai Turner, Andrew Norwell and Sam Cosmi coming off accidents, search for Washington to get the ball out shortly. Making a concerted effort to hit playmakers Curtis Samuel and Terry McLaurin on brief and intermediate routes ought to put a damper on the Giants’ move rush.
“They have a bunch of different looks,” Heinicke stated of the Giants. “It’s all about execution. If you’re on it, you know what you’re supposed to do, get the ball out quick and we should be fine.”
Whether it’s the 251 collected carries (third most within the NFL), a nagging neck damage or just changes by opposing defenses, there’s no denying that Giants star working again Saquon Barkley’s stage of productiveness has seen a major drop off during the last month.
Over his final 4 video games, Barkley has rushed for simply 152 yards on 53 carries whereas catching 13 passes for 64 yards. The Giants are 0-3-1 in these video games.
The Commanders must do no matter it takes to make sure that droop continues. Washington did an admirable job of limiting Barkley, whose 1,083 speeding yards rank fourth within the NFL, through the first assembly. After speeding for 60 yards and a landing within the first half, Barkley had simply three yards within the second half.
In addition to Charles being out with a concussion, extensive receiver Cam Sims (again), cornerback Benjamin St. Juste (ankle) and defensive finish Chase Young (knee) are listed as questionable. Defensive lineman Efe Obada, who had been questionable, was cleared to play Saturday.
The Giants this week positioned linebacker Elerson Smith (Achilles) on injured reserve. Offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu (neck), cornerback Adoree’ Jackson (knee) and offensive lineman Shane Lemieux (toe) are all listed as out.
Tight finish Daniel Bellinger (rib), extensive receiver Richie James (concussion), defensive again Nick McCloud (sickness), linebacker Jihad Ward (concussion) and defensive lineman Leonard Williams (neck) are listed as questionable.