For the first time in years, hope surrounds the New York Giants. They are 3-1 and sit atop the NFC East. They are also coming off a huge 36-24 win over the Cardinals last week. That win has brought a ton of excitement and optimism back to the franchise. It feels like this team is good enough to make a run at this division and be competitive down the stretch. That hasn’t been the case in over five years. It shows how much a new coach can change things.
But the Giants have a true test if they want to keep that momentum going. This week, they face the Washington Commanders in their second divisional game of the season. In what is expected to be rainy conditions, the Giants will look to build on their division lead and remain unbeaten against the NFC East. Here are three things to watch during the game.
Can the Defense Have a Repeat Performance
One of the biggest reasons for the Giants’ success this season has been their defense. It feels like no one is having a bad season, and many are putting up some of the best numbers of their careers. The numbers back that up, too: they’ve allowed only 19.8 points per game. The 8th fewest in the NFL. They were instrumental in last week’s win, stepping up when it mattered most. They forced two turnovers and stopped them on third down eight times. You can not write a better performance.
This week looks like another strong week for the defense. The Commanders’ offense comes in a little banged up. Stefon Diggs has already been ruled out, and Terry McLaurin will likely be a game-time decision. Jayden Daniels is also back for his first game since dislocating his left elbow. The only real threat the Commanders have is Jacory Croskey-Merritt. The Giants’ run defense will have to stuff him and keep him from breaking off big gains. That will stop this offense dead.
What Will We See From Cam Skattebo?
While the Giants are on a two-game winning streak, one player has been noticeably missing. Cam Skattebo has been a non-factor over the last few games. Since the opening-night win against Dallas, he’s rushed for only 154 yards on 50 carries. That’s only three yards per carry. He also only has eight catches for 67 yards. But what is most concerning is he has not found the end zone since the Cowboys game. Now he was on the injury report this week, which could explain his poor performance, but it is still concerning.
Skattebo needs to show this week that he is still a major part of this Giants offense. He needs to show he can lead the backfield. But this week will not be easy for Skattebo. The Commanders’ defense has been great at stopping the run this season. They have allowed the fourth-fewest yards per game and average fewer than 100 rushing yards allowed per game. It will be up to Skattebo and the rest of the Giants’ running backs to find the openings and make the most of it.
Can Malachi Fields Take The Next Step
One of the biggest surprises for the Giants this season has been Malachi Fields’ play. When the Giants drafted him in the 3rd round, many thought he was a long-term project. Sure, he could be a solid receiver one day, but this year he would spend most of the season buried on the depth chart. But that has not been the case. After a strong training camp, he was to be one of the starting outside receivers on opening night. He has turned it around with eight receptions for 15 yards, 126 yards, and a touchdown.
But last week was the best game of Field’s short career. He was targeted three times, catching two passes for a career-high 52 yards and his first career touchdown. This is 22 more yards than his previous career high. It seems like Fields gets more comfortable every week and puts up better numbers. If that trend continues, he should take another step forward this week. We should see him get a few more targets, which should lead to more than two catches. Which would be a big step in his development.
