The Redskins will beat the Giants if….
- …they don’t fall into the trap many NFL teams fall into which is following up an emotionally draining win with a let-down dud. This is clearly what the oddsmakers believe will happen hence the very short pick-em/Skins -1 line. I have no idea what to expect from the Giants but I know they are capable of playing better than their 1-6 record indicates.
- …they get off to a quick start; grab a lead. This plays well on three fronts. First, it’s always good to score first and take a lead in an NFL game. Secondly, the Redskins appear to be a team that isn’t built to come from behind if coming from behind requires throwing the ball much more than running it. Thirdly, if the Skins start fast, the Giants may be at a point in their season where it would be over for them. If the Skins jump out to a 14-0 lead, it could lead to the Giants bailing on the game and their season.
- …they make the best of their big advantage. The Redskins’ strength is their defensive front. The Giants’ weakness is their O-line, one of the worst I’ve seen in years. If the Skins disrupt up front by stuffing the run and getting quick pressure on Eli, it’s over.
- …if they tackle well. Barkley and Beckham can take a little something and turn it into a big something if they don’t tackle well. A couple of little somethings that turn into a couple of big somethings could be the difference between 2-3 scores and 2-3 forced punts.
- ...they follow the formula of the last two weeks. The formula of running the ball, stopping the run, winning the turnover battle, winning the field position battle, and playing good special teams still works. The old NFL saying “more games are lost than won” has applied the last two games.
Prediction:
This one is either a Skins’ blowout win or a last possession game either way.
Let’s get nuts….
20-20 tie.
****
To listen to a complete preview of the Redskins-Giants game from Friday’s podcast, click below and go to the 8:40 mark.
https://thekevinsheehanshow.com/2018/10/26/redskins-giants-trap-game-or-not/
To listen to Chris Cooley and I discuss Redskins-Giants, click below and go to the 14:30 mark.
https://thekevinsheehanshow.com/2018/10/24/cooley-grades-alex-smith/
