Week 5 Game Recap: Washington Redskins 3, New York Giants 19

What you need to know

Washington Redskins

Washington’s red hot offense went frigid in the Meadowlands. They had a successful opening drive that culminated in a John Hall field goal, but they didn’t score again. The Giants kept their offense off the field for most of the game, and when they were on the field, they were unsuccessful at putting together sustained drives and scoring points.

Mark Brunell and the passing game were shut down, gaining only 109 yards through the air. No Redskins’ receiver had more than four receptions or 41 yards. Clinton Portis had a solid effort on the ground, but was limited by the score and situation towards the end of the game. He finished with a 4.0 yards per carry average with a long of 15.

The Redskins’ defense played well, but was continually on the field, and constantly gave up sustained, time eating drives to the Giants’ offense. They only allowed one touchdown, but surrendered five total scoring drives, more than enough to lose the game.

New York Giants

New York looked fresh coming off their bye week, and turned in a classic Giants style victory--they ate up the clock on offense and played excellent defense.

Eli Manning had a very good game, despite not having very gaudy numbers. He was accurate on his throws and made good decisions. Once gain, his favorite targets were receivers Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer, the former catching the only touchdown in the game, a two yard fade in the corner of the endzone.

Tiki Barber had a strong outing, gaining large chunks of yards throughout the game and contributing in the passing game as well. His 26 touches and 139 yards provided the core of the Giant’s clock eating game plan.

The defense was also spectacular, shutting down what had looked in previous weeks like a potent Washington offense. They sacked Brunell three times and kept the Redskins out of the end zone. They were aided by a strong offensive effort that gave them plenty of time to rest on the sidelines and stay fresh throughout the game.

Kicker Jay Feely had a good game, connecting on four of five field goals and making his only PAT.

What you ought to know

QB Mark Brunell, Pass: 12 - 22 - 109 - 0 TD / 0 INT

Brunell posted a weak game. He finished with only 109 passing yards. Brunell didn’t have any interceptions, but he did throw three potential ones that were dropped by New York defenders. He was harassed throughout the game by the Giants’ pass rush, getting sacked three times total.

RB Clinton Portis, Rush: 19 - 76 - 0 (2 targets)

Portis was the only bright spot for the Redskins’ offense. He averaged 4.0 yards per carry on his 19 rushes, although he didn’t contribute in the passing game. Portis temporarily left the game early in the second half while favoring his shoulder, but he returned quickly and showed no ill effects. He ran hard but didn’t find many holes. Portis was limited in his second half productivity, as the score dictated a more pass-heavy offense from the Redskins.

RB Ladell Betts, Rush: 1 - 2 - 0, Rec: 2 - 15 - 0 (2 targets)

Betts has one rush on Washington’s first drive and saw two targets in the fourth quarter. He caught both for a total of 15 yards.

WR Santana Moss, Rec: 3 - 39 - 0 (4 targets)

Moss had season low targets, receptions, and yardage. Coming off of his fantastic week four performance, this was an unexpectedly disappointing performance. His first target was an incomplete deep pass in the end zone where he was flagged for offensive pass interference.

WR Antwaan Randle El, Rec: 2 - 10 - 0 (3 targets)

Randle El’s first catch was a rarely called option play where Brunell ran behind him and then pitched it to him for a three yard loss. His second grab was very impressive, as he elevated the catch while pressured by two defenders, earning a first down.

WR James Thrash, Rec: 1 - 4 - 0 (2 targets)

Thrash had a couple of looks in the first half, and caught one for a four yard gain.

WR Brandon Lloyd (2 targets)

Lloyd’s targets were both deep, but couldn’t convert either. He was also flagged once for a false start.

TE Chris Cooley, Rec: 4 - 41 - 0 (7 targets)

Cooley led the Redskins in targets, catches, and receiving yards. That’s not really saying much; his numbers came mostly on short dump offs with decent yards after catch.

PK John Hall 1 - 2 FG, 0 - 0 XP, 3 points

Hall made a 39 yard field goal but missed a 42 yarder in the fourth quarter.

WAS Rush Defense

Washington’s rush defense was mostly porous. Giants’ rushers found consistent success running the ball on first down, and as such they converted first downs with ease. The rush defense gave up 155 yards, including 123 to Barber alone. They kept the Giants rushers out of the end zone, and while they did force a Barber fumble, they weren’t able to recover it.

WAS Pass Defense

The Redskins’ pass defense allowed Eli Manning to complete a high percentage of his passes for significant gains. They gave up a goal line scoring catch to Plaxico Burress. Defensive backs Adam Archuleta and Kenny Wright were the top two tacklers for Washington’s defense. The pass defense created no turnovers.

QB Eli Manning, Pass: 23 - 33 - 256 - 1 TD / 0 INT, Rush: 4 - 6 - 0

Manning had a very efficient game, completing approximately 70% of his passes for an average of 7.75 yards per attempt. He connected with Plaxico Burress for a two yard touchdown in the third quarter. Manning’s favorite targets were receivers Burress and Amani Toomer. He added six yards on four rushes, both season highs.

RB Tiki Barber, Rush: 23 - 123 - 0, Rec: 3 - 16 - 0 (5 targets)

Barber had a great game rushing the ball. He consistently found running lanes and gained good yardage, especially on first down. Barber was the foundation of the Giants’ offensive attack, and coupled with Manning’s high completion percentage, helped create a time of possession advantage for New York. He also contributed three catches in the passing game. Barber had four rushes for ten or more yards.

RB Brandon Jacobs, Rush: 9 - 26 - 0, Rec: 2 - 15 - 0 (2 targets)

Jacobs was used frequently to spell Tiki Barber. He had season highs in both targets and receptions, being used on screens and dump off out of the backfield. Jacobs’ longest rush was for nine yards.

WR Plaxico Burress, Rec: 7 - 69 - 1 (8 targets)

Burress was the second most targeted receiver in the game. He was on the receiving end of a 46 yard pass from Eli Manning. Burress scored the lone touchdown of the game on a two yard receiving score in the third quarter. He recovered Tiki Barber’s fumble.

WR Amani Toomer, Rec: 4 - 81 - 0 (9 targets)

Toomer saw the most targets of any receiver in the game. He caught a five yard touchdown that was nullified by a pass interference penalty on tight end Jeremy Shockey. Toomer led his team with 81 yards receiving.

WR Tim Carter, Rec: 4 - 44 - 0 (4 targets)

Carter caught all four balls thrown his way, including a long of 27 yards.

TE Visanthe Shiancoe, Rec: 2 - 18 - 0 (2 targets)

Shiancoe caught both of his targets, including a 16 yard gain for a first down on a second and 15.

TE Jeremy Shockey, Rec: 1 - 13 - 0 (5 targets)

Shockey had a subpar game, only snagging one of the passes thrown his way. He was flagged for offensive pass interference on a nullified touchdown pass to Amani Toomer. Shockey also had an offensive holding penalty.

PK Jay Feely 4 - 5 FG, 1 - 1 XP, 13 points

Feely had a good game, connecting on four of five field goal attempts. His makes were from 24, 34, 32, and 40 yards, while missing a 47 yarder on the Giants’ first drive of the game.

NYG Rush Defense

New York’s rush defense was good enough to keep the Redskins out of the end zone, which was more than good enough to win the game. They allowed 78 yards total, for 3.9 yards per carry with a long of 15 yards.

NYG Pass Defense

The pass defense completely shut down Mark Brunell, Santana Moss, and the entire Redskins’ passing offense. The pass rush consistently got to Brunell, sacking him three times, once each by Michael Strahan, Osi Umenyiora, and Fred Robbins. The Giants had multiple opportunities for interceptions, but failed to catch any of them. They held the Redskins to 109 total passing yards and no touchdowns.