Redskins Keys to the Game on MNF Against the Giants

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By Staff Writer John Manuel:

Here are the five things Washington Redskins need to do to beat Giants on Monday Night Football:

1. As always with a weak secondary the Redskins will need to get to Eli Manning all night.

This is the team’s most certain area of concern and it was shown by putting a claim in on Jason Babin who is a 4-3 defensive end.  What worries me is that the Redskins the past couple seasons have been fortunate in facing the Giants without or with a banged up Hakeem Nicks.  This game he seems to be back and mostly healthy.  We all know the issues keeping with Victor Cruz so a healthy Nicks will not help.  It is time for Kerrigan to do what we see each week from guys like Aldon Smith and Von Miller for their teams.  Not asking for a 4 sack effort but just to make Eli feel the heat all night and force the Giants into a few holding calls.

2. Pressure on Eli was easy so is this one.  Robert Griffin III has to play like he has the past few weeks and like in New York.

I was very confident the big stage of Thanksgiving in Dallas would not be a worry for RG3 and I am confident neither will his Monday Night Football debut.  I am worried though his offensive line, which has played well as of late could tank versus the Giants defensive front.  Griffin has to be…well Griffin, make plays by giving his receivers more time to get open and also get a few big runs.  Garcon wasn’t there in New York remember, so that will be big.  Not only does Griffin need to make plays in the passing game but so does his ball catchers as well.  Griffin’s short history shows he will not disappoint in prime time.

3. Another shocker, win the turnover battle.

The Redskins ability to constantly win the turnover battle has probably kept this team from being the Chiefs or Jaguars.  Eli always gives us a few chances and the secondary cannot afford to miss out.  Even Atogwe was able to pick one off last season.  We cannot have any Carlos Rogers-like bobbles and drops.  On the other side fumbles crushed us in New York and they cannot happen Monday.  Mostly sure handed RG3 and Alfred Morris both coughed it up in big situations which ended up to be costly as well the Santana fumble to end the game.  The Giants have to remember this and should be looking to do this again.

4. The offensive line has to hold their own.

Tyler Polumbus will be key in this game, as he will have his hands full with Pierre-Paul, Tuck, Umenyiora and others all night.  We can’t see another effort like the one versus Carolina.  The ability to get off the ball and be able to run the ball versus the Giants will be needed.  Washington can’t get into a one dimensional passing situation so that the Giants pass rush crew can go to town.  I think the Giants underestimated Griffin’s skill set in the first meeting but won’t for sure this week.  The offensive line has seemed to come together and has stayed healthy and intact and this will need to continue.

5. I say it everything week and now that we are at Washington’s twelfth game it is about time it happens.  Do something Brandon Banks!

Make a play in the return game or can we please try Santana back on punts?  Word is Shanny and Smith have looked into why Banks has been useless on returns and this week would be a good time to break one.  As for the kicking game, everyone has to be thrilled with Kai Forbath especially after the late game kick in Dallas.  I have full confidence in Forbath and the “he is due to miss a big kick” thoughts are slowly evaporating.

I hope Washington is over the home field disadvantage of the past year and now that they have won back to back games finally a third can happen.  The defense is still bad but they play ok enough to keep it close for Griffin to put on a show and the Skins win 31-23.  Homer call but I have a feeling they pull this one.