The NFL closes this season’s Thanksgiving lineup with an NFC East matchup between the New York Giants (2-8) and the Washington Redskins (4-6) clashing at FedEx Field.
Despite their mediocre record the Giants have to be thankful this Thanksgiving for their defense finally showing up last week to earn a 12-9 win against the Kansas City Chiefs (6-4). The Giants won for just the second time this season, something they had failed to do since defeating the Denver Broncos 23-10 in week 7.
The close victory was possible because they found a way to get the pass rush going up front, they slowed the Chiefs run game and most importantly because the secondary came alive to make several key stops in that game, especially on third down.
If the Giants want to win this game their defense has to do two things. First, it must continue to play physical to find a way to stop the Redskins running game just like they stopped the Chiefs ground attack.
And second, after frustrating Alex Smith and the Chiefs explosive passing game the Giants need to maintain that level against Cousins by applying rush pressure to hurry him, knock him down and if possible sack him to force turnovers.
Despite being ranked 18th in rushing this year the Redskins will try to run all over the Giants who are 30th in the league against the run as they allow 107.3 yards per game.
If the Redskins run attack thrives they will then keep control of the ball and the clock. If that happens you can expect Cousins to have a field day and the Redskins to win as they will be able to execute big plays off the play-action pass.
Samaje Perine who is listed as probable for this game will probably once again be the main carrier for Washington after running for 117 yards and scoring a TD against the Saints last week in New Orleans.
Before this night game takes place (8:30 p.m. ET on NBC), the Minnesota Vikings play the Detroit Lions in Michigan (12:30 p.m. ET on Fox) and the Dallas Cowboys host the Los Angeles Chargers (4:30 p.m. ET on CBS).
