In a game that proved the Giants were better at losing this year than the Redskins, the victory on the scoreboard went to Washington 20-13.
Both teams spent the afternoon providing each other with gifts. A little early holiday present trading. The Giants could not generate an offensive line, the Redskins could not maintain drives. It was a painful, but necessary step towards the Giants undergoing a complete rebuild and the Redskins maintain a firm hold on 1st place.
Adrian Peterson proved that his year off and last year’s short-lived campaign has given him a few more good years at the end of his hall of fame career. He has 101 carries for 438 yards, ranked 11th in yards in the league. He also has added to his career mark of 9 runs of 60 yds or more. He is the all-time NFL leader.
Alex Smith continues to underwhelm at quarterback. Under the theory that more games are lost than won, Smith grades well. He does not pass the eye test of being a good NFL quarterback. He is merely average. But it is enough, for now, to win games.
Jordan Viener wrote a piece on CSB (Capital Sports Blog) analyzing this Redskin season. He pointed out that the only team the Redskins face with a winning record the rest of the way is the Houston Texans. Average will get one a long way.
The defense was good. Coming into the day, Washington’s D was ranked 5th. The Giants had two players that had to be accounted for. Saquon Barkley and Beckham. The Redskins were smart enough to not let either of them carry the day.
Mason Foster, Matt Ioannidis and the Playmaker (Purdue standout Ryan Kerrigan) had big games. DJ Swearinger is having an All Pro season at safety. DJ has two picks versus Eli in the Meadowlands.
Is it the last time that Eli will face Washington? Probably so. The next meeting is December 9th. By then, I expect the torch will be passed for the Giants.