Brian Orakpo leads a Redskins side which is fourth in total defense.
Credit: Getty Images
The Giants have a daunting task when they face the Redskins Thursday night — and not just because their NFC East rival is trending up — but because it’s been such a short week of preparation.
New York only had one true day of practice this week, meaning they’ll enter FedEx Field already behind the eight ball. It’ll be interesting to see how Big Blue responds to a lack of preparation following their emotional first victory last week.
Metro breaks down three things to watch Thursday night (8:25 p.m., CBS).
1. Not all “O”
Washington is ranked second in the league in offense with 444 yards per game, but what has been equally impressive is their defensive ranking. The defense is fourth in the NFL, yielding just 282.7 yards per game and has been staunch against the run, surrendering just 64.7 yards per game. They held All-Pro running back LeSean McCoy – the league’s defending rushing champ – to just 22 yards on 19 carries last week.
2. Flat affect
Head coach Tom Coughlin lauded his team for their resolve in beating the Texans last week to avoid yet another 0-3 start, but added it’ll mean very little if his team comes out flat against Washington. “I want the hunger and desire and the will to prepare to win, exactly what I saw last week,” Coughlin said. “I’d like that for every week for the remainder of the season of course, but this game is big.”
3. Road woes
Defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins implored his defense during their brief practice sessions to come out against quarterback Kirk Cousins with passion and intensity — or they could be like every other road team so far this season and lay an egg in the Thursday night matchup. “That’s a good offense over there. We know what they present.”
Follow Giants beat writer Tony Williams on Twitter @TBone8.
