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1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Final | |
New York Giants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 14 |
Washington Redskins | 0 | 17 | 0 | 3 | 20 |
It wasn't pretty, and fans had to endure a fourth quarter push from the visiting New York Giants, but the Redskins walked off the field today as the leading team in the NFC East as they head into the December stretch.
Somehow, the offense that couldn't put any point on the board after the defense handed them the ball three times off Eli Manning interceptions still managed to get the job done. The unit depended heavily on Alfred Morris, and Kirk Cousins had a solid day. He made a handful of ill-advised throws into double-coverage, including at least one that the Giants' defense dropped when it should have been an interception, maybe even a pick six. Cousins' second quarter, 63 yard pass play with DeSean Jackson was arguably his nicest play of the afternoon.
Jordan Reed led the team in receiving yards, but he took the lead in another, less positive, stat today: most penalized player on the team. Reed's three holding calls came at inopportune times, if there is such a thing as an opportune time for a holding call, and it highlights the need for him to continue to work on blocking.
The defense, which has been up and down lately, was definitely up today. Bashaud Breeland held Odell Beckham, Jr., in check, and the team was constantly forcing Manning into making bad decisions as the pressure of a shutout began to get the quarterback. Perry Riley, Jr., and Will Blackmon both made interceptions in the field of play, and undrafted free agent wide receiver-turned-cornerback Quinton Dunbar showed up big time with an interception in the end zone to stop a third quarter Giants drive. Though Dunbar left with a finger injury, it was promising to see the continued development of the young player in a secondary that continues to struggle and deal with injuries, like the loss of Chris Culliver this week.
By the numbers: Kirk Cousins (20/29, 302 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT, 1 Fumble), Alfred Morris (23 carries, 78 yards), Jordan Reed (8 receptions, 98 yards), Will Compton (8 tackles), Perry Riley, Jr. (1 INT), Quinton Dunbar (1 INT), Will Blackmon (1 INT).