Here are the top takeaways and highest-graded players from the Washington Redskins-New York Giants game:
New York Giants
– Behind a reshuffled offensive line, it was crucial that Eli Manning (+3.4) got the ball out on rhythm to help keep the Giants’ offense rolling. He did just that, releasing 26 of his 32 passes in 2.5 seconds or less. Connecting on his throws on all levels of the Washington defense, Manning never allowed the rush to get to him, let alone phase him, completing five of his eight passes under pressure while making the most of his 24 un-pressured dropbacks (18/24, 211 yards, two touchdowns, +2.6 passing grade).
– The Giants got solid pass rushing production from a number of defensive tackles, but the lack of production at defensive end, highlighted by the absence of Robert Ayers last night, will surely be a growing concern. Facing Kirk Cousins, their lack of pressure didn’t come back to haunt them, but against better quarterbacks, a combined seven pressures on 102 pass rushes from George Selvie (-2.2), Kerry Wynn (+0.6) and Damontre Moore (-1.7) could prove costly for them.
– The Giants’ pair of former-LSU wide receivers were too hot to handle for the Washington secondary last night as Odell Beckham Jr. (+1.6) and Rueben Randle (+2.1) combined for 195 yards and two scores on seven catches. Redskins CB Bashaud Breeland (-3.5) bore the brunt of their production, with Randle the beneficiary of a fortuitous bounce on his touchdown. The duo combined for 101 yards and two scores on Eli Manning’s three deep targets last night.
Top performers:
QB Eli Manning (+3.4)
DT Johnathan Hankins (+2.8)
DT Jay Bromley (+2.5)
WR Rueben Randle (+2.1)
LB Devon Kennard (+2.0)
Washington Redskins
– In years past, we’ve become accustomed to seeing “good Kirk Cousins” or “bad Kirk Cousins” game by game. This season, we have seen both the good and the bad—last night (-0.9) was no different. His first interception was a poor decision, and he left multiple scores on the field with under-thrown deep balls, particularly when targeting Jordan Reed (-0.9) early in the game. Some solid short and intermediate passing improved his performance somewhat, but fans will still be wondering how the game might have panned out if Cousins had hit on at least one of his opportunities with Reed earlier in the game.
– Speaking of Jordan Reed (+2.0 receiving), the Redskins’ tight end continues to be the most productive and most important target in the Washington offense. Snagging six catches for the third game in a row, his numbers would have been even better but for Cousins errant deep passing. The only thing letting Reed’s performances down is his inline blocking (-2.2 run-block), and with the injuries they have suffered at the position, they are simply unable to limit his responsibilities there to protect both himself and the Washington ground game.
– The upgrades brought in via free agency have bolstered Washington’s defensive line early in the season, with Terrance Knighton (+1.3) producing his best game of the season so far. However, the star of Washington’s defensive line is arguably Chris Baker (+5.0), whose six stops last night tied Keenan Robinson (+0.1) for the most on the team. Through three games, Baker is Washington’s highest graded defensive lineman, and is the only member of the Washington front seven—aside from Ryan Kerrigan (+0.3)—to boast a positive grade as both a run defender and pass rusher.
Top performers:
DE Chris Baker (+5.0)
RT Morgan Moses (+3.5)
LT Trent Williams (+2.5)
NT Terrance Knighton (+1.3)
ILB Will Compton (+1.1)
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