Robert Griffin III did everything in the Redskins Sunday win over the Vikings, including a long touchdown run late in the fourth quarter to ice away the win. Doing everything is exactly why the Redskins drafted the rookie quarterback out of Baylor, and to this point, it seems to be paying off. However on Sunday Griffin will have his first opportunity to take down a divisional opponent, and no better way to start than facing off against Eli Manning and the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants. Manning and company are fresh off a beat-down of the San Francisco 49ers, and look to be the class of the NFC East to this point, especially with the Eagles reeling. Sunday’s matchup will be a true test for the Redskins, especially if they want to stay in the divisional hunt.
THE GAME
It is amazing how one man can completely alter the complexion of an entire offense. That is exactly what Robert Griffin III has done in Washington. Not only has the rookie quarterback completed more than 70 percent of his passes and led the Redskins to the second-most points per game average in the league in 2012, but he is also transforming so-called average players into stars. Take Alfred Morris, the rookie running back out of Florida Atlantic, for example. Morris is averaging over four yards per carry this season and has 538 yards rushing through the first six games of his NFL career after earning the starting spot in the offseason. Morris is having a great year, but a lot of the success can be attributed to Griffin and his playmaking ability. Defenses are forced to account for a dual threat quarterback, which could have been what led to Chris Johnson’s success in Tennessee with Vince Young. No matter what the Redskins pull out of their hat on Sunday, don’t expect the Giants to be fooled. New York shut down the San Francisco offense on Sunday.
WHAT TO WATCH
Fans of football should watch Eli Manning. Manning has the New York offense ranking in the top 10 in all four major offensive categories, including ranking third averaging over 414 yards per game. The Giants have also balanced the offense with a ground attack, ranking ninth in the league averaging 125 yards per game rushing. On the flip side, the Redskins will have to find some defense. Washington ranks dead last in the league at stopping the pass, which is a bad recipe when taking on Eli Manning. The Redskins have had success stopping the run, which will be key on Sunday, especially when trying to make the Giants one-dimensional.
PREDICTION
The Giants are around five-point favorites heading into Sunday’s matchup with Washington. Judging by the Giants performance last week against the 49ers, this would seem about right for a line against a divisional rival. The Redskins are much-improved, but a rookie quarterback going up against Eli Manning and the Giants defense could spell trouble. Griffin is good, but he is still learning, and against a pressure- oriented Giants attack, the odds could be stacked against the first-year quarterback. The safe call would be going with New York, but never underestimate a surprise in the Meadowlands.