This Sunday, the 2-0 New York Giants will host the 0-2 Washington Redskins. The Giants hope to capitalize on the reeling Redskins. However, this is not the time for the Giants to play half-heartedly. The keys to victory are simple.
New York Giants Week Three Keys to Victory
Apply Pressure on Kirk Cousins
Last week, the Giants did not put enough pressure on New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees. The G-Men cannot make that same mistake against Washington. New York’s defensive line needs to apply pressure on Kirk Cousins. Cousins is not doing as well as he did last year, but given more time in the pocket, he could easily play at that level again.
One particular play in the Giants vs. Saints Week two game stood out. That play was when the Giants sent both Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Landon Collins on a blitz. Collins ultimately got the sack. This is the type of play the Giants need to deploy more often to try to disrupt the opposing quarterback’s rhythm. It worked against Brees, and if it is used correctly against the Redskins, there is a good chance it works again. Also, applying more pressure will make it easier on the Giants secondary. New York’s secondary rose to the challenge last Sunday, but they should not have been placed into a situation in which they were needed to step up. The Giants pass rush needs to be better. If the pass rush starts to click, look for the secondary to take full advantage of the mistakes Cousins will make.
Odell Beckham Jr. Needs to Keep His Composure
Josh Norman and Odell Beckham Jr. have an infamous rivalry. Their battle escalated when Beckham left his feet and dove at Norman’s head last season. Even though OBJ was not ejected, it hurt his team the next week since he was suspended for the game against the Minnesota Vikings. Beckham needs to stay on the field if the Giants want to win.
If Beckham stays on the field, he will occupy either Norman or Bashaud Breeland. This will open up the field for Comeback Player of the Year candidate Victor Cruz or rookie sensation Sterling Shepard to make major contributions. Beckham has the upper hand in this meeting. Since Norman has been rewarded a new contract, after signing with Washington this off-season, he has not lived up to expectations. Norman knows that if he gets into another battle with Beckham, he may lose his own composure due to the mounting pressure. Beckham has everything going for him and he must keep Norman at arm’s length the entire game.
Limit Turnovers
The Giants must limit their turnovers when the face the Redskins. Even though the G-Men managed to win, they committed three crucial turnovers against the Saints in Week two. This will not be the case moving forward as teams will start to capitalize on the Giants mistakes. The team, as a whole, needs to play intelligent football. Ball security should be a top priority.
Victor Cruz is a seasoned veteran, yet he looked like a rookie when he fumbled against the Saints. He should know better than to carry the ball loosely in the open field. Also, the offensive line needs to hold stout. They cannot let Eli Manning get ambushed like he did last weekend, otherwise, more turnovers and possibly injuries will follow. These are two of the mistakes the Giants made against New Orleans, and those errors need to be eliminated when they take on the Redskins. Luckily, this problem can be fixed easily. If it is corrected, the Giants should have no issue winning.
If the Giants fix their mistakes from last weekend, they can come out on top. A 3-0 record after Week three would be a dream start for this franchise. They have all the pieces to win, it is only a matter of on-field execution.
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