New York Giants lose to Washington Redskins

Manning, somewhat surprised by the question, responded: “Of course, we want to make the playoffs”.

A strong pass rush by the Redskins aided Washington’s secondary by disrupting Manning throughout the game.

Counting Will Beatty, who is out for the season because of a torn labrum in his left shoulder, the Giants finished the biggest game of the year with four projected starters up front out of the lineup.

So what was Manning’s explanation for that? We just have to stay consistent in our approach and I think we have for the most part.

“We had some opportunities to make some plays down the field and we just didn’t make enough big plays and make some of the challenged throws that we need to complete”.

For Washington, another football cliche seems to apply: its season begins again this week. “We’re throwing the first punch”.

Said Amukamara: “I feel like when we’re on, we’re on and when we’re off, we’re off, so we just have to be consistent with that light switch”. Giants counterpart Tom Coughlin certainly stands apart from Gruden and the others in this division, with two Super Bowl wins under his belt, including the one that came in the 2011 season, when the G-Men entered the playoffs at 9-7.

The Redskins’ victory over the Giants on Sunday helped them pull even with NY atop the division at 5-6. And his 20-yard reception on the last possession was beyond huge keeping the ball away from Manning. “We have to prepare for the Jets”.

All part of what’s been a wildly fluctuating Redskins team in Gruden’s second year.

The Eagles’ three-game losing streak has brought coach Chip Kelly’s status with the team into question, it’s led players to critique their teammates’ effort and it’s sparked expected outrage from an often unforgiving fan base.

But the second half saw the Chiefs (6-5) handle Watkins, force a Taylor fumble and the Kansas City offense caught fire behind quarterback Alex Smith, wide receiver Jeremy Maclin and running back Spencer Ware. The Houston Texans, who started 2-5, have won four in a row to take advantage of a down year in the AFC South – does that sound familiar? – and put themselves in position to win the division title. Manning did throw three interceptions, but two were the result of pop-up flies that the Redskins fielded. When Geoff Schwartz broke his leg, it left the Giants without three of their top offensive lineman, stunting any ideas of a ground game.

The Giants could only manage 33 yards rushing on 13 attempts.

“We’re just in the driver’s seat right now”, defensive end Jason Hatcher said. “Cousins played lights out”, said Giants tight end Will Tye.

The defense has also been important for the Redskins. Cousins was outstanding this time, throwing for 302 yards – the big strike, a 63-yard TD to DeSean Jackson – and sneaking in a score.

Beckham made a one-handed diving catch into the end zone in a furious fourth-quarter as New York tried to bounce back from a 20-0 hole.

There’s probably some fault on both sides here.

SPECIAL TEAMS: C – There wasn’t much to complain about regarding the punting and the kickoffs, but there were some head-scratchers regarding some of the decisions made in coverage and returns. Outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan recorded two sacks and defensive tackle Chris Baker had one. Had he let the ball bounce, it probably would have been a touchback. Earlier this season, Rashad Ross also returned a kickoff for a touchdown. In the Giants loss today, they didn’t do anything well until it was too late.

Hey, BBV isn’t the only one that can sling clichés like wayward Eli Manning passes.