Lool for Kirk Cousins to air it out against the Giants secondary. (Jeffrey G. Pittenger-USA TODAY Sports)
New York Giants (1-2) at Washington Redskins (1-2)
Thursday, 8:25 p.m. ET, at FedExField, Landover, Md. — TV: CBS
*TV announcers: Jim Nantz, Phil Simms, Tracy Wolfson
*Keys to the game: The Giants’ injury-plagued and much-maligned offensive line showed up in a big way last week in helping pave the way for a ground game that churned up 193 yards. The Redskins enter with the league’s No. 3 run defense allowing just 64.7 yards per game. If Washington can contain RB Rashad Jennings and create long passing downs, QB Eli Manning will have a more difficult time attacking a secondary minus veteran leader CB DeAngelo Hall. All 10 of the Redskins’ sacks came in Week 2, and coordinator Jim Haslett is seeking a far more disruptive presence on a consistent basis.
Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins has completed 52 of 81 pass attempts for 677 yards, five touchdowns and a 105.8 passer rating since taking over for injured Robert Griffin III in Week 2. Cousins’ production makes it a dicey proposition to over-play RB Alfred Morris. Coach and play-caller Jay Gruden has the ability to keep defenses off-balance, especially with backup tight end Niles Paul hailing in 18 catches for 253 yards in place of injured Jordan Reed.
*Matchup to watch — Giants CBs Prince Amukamara and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie vs. Redskins WRs Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson: Garcon and Jackson are the NFC’s leading tandem with 36 catches for 425 yards. Amukamara and Rodgers-Cromartie each have an interception, but the Giants’ pass defense as a whole has been far too susceptible to giving up big pass plays. Rookie S Nat Berhe is expected to see increased snaps in place of struggling veteran Stevie Brown.
*Player spotlight — Redskins CB Bashaud Breeland: Veteran Tracy Porter (hamstring) might suit up for the first time this season, but it’s the rookie who will get the first call to start opposite second-year man David Amerson following Hall’s season-ending Achilles injury.
*Fast facts: The Redskins have outscored opponents 21-7 in the first quarter, but just 60-57 over the final three quarters.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY?
The Redskins are the only team in the NFL to rank in the top five in both total offense and total defense. If they can shore up the special teams issues that have played significant roles in both losses, the Redskins get a critical victory ahead of next week’s “MNF” showdown against Seattle.
The Pick: Redskins 31, New York 17
