The New York Giants, a long-standing rival in the NFC East, are set to clash once again with their rivals the Washington Commanders this coming Sunday at FedEx Field. As we head into a game that always promises high stakes and intense gameplay, here are three vital insights into the Giants vs Commanders to help fans and players alike prepare for the showdown. This article will delve into the team’s current form, key players, and strategic approach.
Three Storylines for Giants vs Commanders
A Closer Look at Tommy Devito
DeVito, the quarterback who made his first career start for the Giants in a challenging contest against the Dallas Cowboys, now finds himself at the helm of the team’s offense due to injuries to Daniel Jones and Tyrod Taylor. After playing for Syracuse and Illinois at the collegiate level, DeVito signed with the Giants as an undrafted free agent, joining the team’s practice squad before his unexpected rise to a starting position.
In his debut, DeVito faced an uphill battle. The Giants suffered a significant 49-17 loss to the Cowboys, with DeVito completing just 14 of 27 passes for 86 yards. As a newcomer to the starting position, he has had to navigate the complexities of the NFL while dealing with a depleted offense and his own limitations. DeVito’s quick release has been notable, as has his mobility, but he has struggled to dissect defenses, often resulting in him holding onto the ball for too long and taking sacks – a phenomenon witnessed in the Cowboys game, where he was sacked five times.
Comparatively, first-year Commanders starter Sam Howell completed 29 of 44 passes for 312 yards in Seattle last Sunday. While Howell leads the league in passing yards, DeVito continues to seek his footing, highlighting the contrasting paths these two players have taken.
As the Giants face the Commanders this Sunday, there’s still uncertainty surrounding their quarterback situation. Matt Barkley could potentially see action this Sunday if Devito struggles. Taylor is likely to return to the starting position following the team’s Week 13 bye, while Jones is out for the year. The team is desperately looking for answers, and fans eagerly await DeVito’s performance and potential growth in the upcoming game. Although the New York Giants odds suggest their losing streak will continue this Sunday, DeVito and the Giants are determined to prove their resilience in the face of adversity.
Saquon Barkley: The Powerhouse of the Giants Offense
The Giants’ dynamic running back has proven to be the backbone of the team’s offensive strategy this season. Despite the turbulence that the offense has experienced, Barkley has been a consistent beacon of reliability. Accounting for a staggering 26% of the Giants’ entire offensive production this season with a total of 673 yards in seven games, Barkley’s contribution is undeniable.
While his performances may not be filled with 100-yard games, mainly because of the offensive line struggles, his consistency is impressive — he’s contributed at least 70 yards in four of the last five games, including 128 yards on the ground against the Jets. It’s not his yard count so much as his dependability that makes him a crucial part of the Giants’ offensive lineup. He carried the ball 21 times for 77 yards in the Giants’ first contest with the Commanders, demonstrating his importance to the team’s strategy.
As the Giants grapple with losing playmakers to injuries, reliance on Barkley has only increased. He touched the ball 39 times against the New York Jets, a career-high for the seasoned running back. His ability to step up and carry the team during challenging times like these makes him a formidable player on the field. He’s so important to their offsense, that the Giants gave Saquon Barkely a franchise tag.
The key for the Commanders will be to contain Barkley. Even though his record-setting 170 and 189-yard games in 2018 and 2019 feel like a distant memory, Barkley’s ability to make critical plays remains. By limiting Barkley’s explosive playmaking, the Commanders could hamper the entire Giants’ offense and force them to win through the air, something the Giants are massively struggling with. Barkley will undoubtedly be a player to watch in the coming showdown.
Challenges Mount for the Giants’ Defense
The Giants’ defense, which was instrumental in the team’s playoff run last year, is facing a significant downturn. A once formidable unit, they have recently been seen struggling, with their latest display against the Cowboys revealing a defense that is potentially exploitable. An overwhelming 640 yards were conceded to the Cowboys, marking the second-worst defensive effort this season, surpassed only by the Broncos’ 726 yards allowed in their loss to the Dolphins. In contrast, the Giants only gained 172. First downs were also ugly, with the Cowboys getting 32 compared to the Giants 16.
The Giants’ defensive line is particularly concerning, with absentees including cornerback Adoree’ Jackson and lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux. Both missed practice due to concussions, exacerbating the issues for a defense already ranked 27th in yards per game and 29th in points allowed. Their pass rush, however, holds a ray of hope, being the seventh-most effective in the NFL rankings.
Yet, these defensive obstacles could provide a golden opportunity for an in-form Commanders offense, especially if they can successfully navigate past the Giants’ pass rush. With a little strategy and the right execution, the Commanders have a chance to capitalize on the Giants’ current weaknesses and dominate the field in the upcoming clash. Giants vs Commanders should be a good one.
