New York Giants - Washington Commanders Matchups to Watch

The Giants need a strong showing across the board to even out their win-loss record, but in particular, they could use wins in these two matchups.

Author:
Hunter De Siver
Publish date:
Oct 20, 2023 3:53 PM EDT

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New York Giants

The New York Giants will face the Washington Commanders in their seventh game of the 2023 season, hoping to flip the switch on their brutal start.

The NFC East division rivals have several talented players matched against one another, making for some great entertainment. Still, these two particular matchups are among the key ones that could influence Sunday afternoon's outcome.

When the Giants Have the Ball

The Commanders may be sitting with a non-concerning 3-3 record, but their pass defense is among the worst in the league. They are in the league's bottom five for passing yards (1,489) and touchdowns (12) allowed.

Chicago Bears wide receiver D.J. Moore exploited Washington's secondary for 230 yards and three touchdowns in Week 5. The Giants are hoping that a pass-catcher can step up and earn at least half of Moore's numbers, as this may be their best chance at ending the four-game losing streak.

Moore often lined up against/zoomed past Commanders first-round rookie Emmanuel Forbes Jr. before the cornerback was sent to the bench and replaced by Benjamin St-Juste. Forbes didn't play a single snap last week, as St-Juste recorded six tackles, two pass breakups, and an interception.

It's uncertain at this time what the Commanders game plan will be regarding giving Forbes another chance, hoping St-Juste produces again or they split snaps. However, the Giants are also in a somewhat similar scenario if they plan to line rookie Jalin Hyatt against St-Juste/Forbes.

When the Commanders Have the Ball

The Commanders' offensive line has struggled immensely this season, as they've allowed the most sacks in the NFL (34) through six weeks. Granted, the Giants don't have much to brag about in that category either, as they're one sack behind Washington, which is eight more than the third-place Chicago Bears.

One of the contributors to Washington's rough start in the trenches is center Nick Gates. The 27-year-old has allowed four sacks (second-most in the NFL) and committed three penalties (fifth-most). Nevertheless, Gates is all too familiar with his next assignment, as he was a member of the Giants from 2019-2022.

Gates didn't see much time on the field, as injuries and surgeries plagued him throughout his tenure. After spending most of last season on PUP, Gates returned to the lineup for the Giants midway through the year, proving he still had enough left to contribute. However, the Giants couldn't reach a deal with Gates, who instead went to Washington, where he became their new starting center.

The Giants and Commanders have struggling offensive lines, but the opposite could be said for their interior defensive lines. Washington's Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen made the Pro Bowl last year, while New York's Dexter Lawrence earned the prestigious honor and collected a Second Team All-Pro accolade.

Lawrence will likely square off against Gates on Sunday. Lawrence, who turns 26 years old on November 12, has shown some flashes of his ability to reach the backfield, but New York's sluggish start has slightly affected him. He was known for hitting quarterbacks last season, as he did so 28 times, but is on pace for 15 this year.

The NFL community has raised questions about the Giants' future over the past few weeks, and almost every answer revolves around tanking. This team desperately needs a win if they want to gain any of their lost momentum back.