The New York Giants (1-2) registered their first win of the season last week, while their week four opponent the Washington Redskins lost on a fourth-quarter field goal after Kirk Cousins’ impressive first start in Robert Griffin III’s absence. The Redskins will host the Giants at FedEx Field on Thursday Night Football.
The Giants' offense has been inconsistent so far this season, but the defensive line has been a strength. Robert Ayers has not started a game, but he leads the team in pass rush (+4.2) and overall (+7.5) grades. Last week the Giants blitzed on just nine of 43 Houston drop-backs, but generated some form of pressure 19 times. Ayers, Cullen Jenkins, and Johnathan Hankins have combined for five sacks, three QB hits, and 13 hurries.
The Redskins' offense exploded in Week 3, but they were unable to top the Eagles. Cousins has played well enough over almost two games (+6.6) to create a hypothetical quarterback controversy upon Griffin’s return to health and the play of the offensive line — especially Trent Williams (+5.2 overall) — last week is also reason for Redskins fans to be excited going forward.
Here are some other things to keep an eye on in this match-up:
Washington Redskins
Pierre Garcon – His 32 targets have tied for fourth among receivers and he saw 16 in Week 3 while earning his highest receiving grade (+3.7) since Week 9 of last season and the third best of his career.
Jason Hatcher – Has registered four sacks, two QB hits, and five QB hurries through three games. Although sack-less against the Eagles he still managed his highest pass rush grade (+5.3) since PFF began the analysis.
Chris Chester – The Redskins' right guard is currently ranked No. 8 at the position in overall grade (+3.1). Third-best in pass blocking (+4.4), he's allowed one hurry.
New York Giants
William Beatty – Recovered from a -1.2 mark in the opener to post consecutive strong games. He's now sitting at +6.8 overall, second among offensive tackles.
Mathias Kiwanuka – Broke out last week with four hurries, a hit on the quarterback, and solid play in run defense (+1.7).
Larry Donnell – Yet to drop a ball that was deemed catchable out of 18 and last week also played well in another facet, earning a +2.2 in run blocking, the highest of his career.
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