The Washington football team is suddenly a major contender in the NFC East, but a win over the New York Giants is nothing short of imperative for Jay Gruden’s squad.
ESPN’s Josh Keim notes Gruden said the team understands how significant Sunday’s matchup really is for the playoff picture.
“It’s a one-game season. If we have any desire at all to play 17, 18 or 19 games we have to take care of business Sunday. That’s the most important thing. We’ve got to get their best effort physically and mentally. It’s got to be their best focus of the season, not far, not even close. I think the guys are revved up.”
Despite being 4-6, Washington is merely a win away from evening its record with the now-5-5 Giants. However, New York managed a 32-21 victory earlier this season, so a two-game advantage with a 2-0 mark against Washington is essentially a three-game lead.
Recent history is on the team’s side, though. Kirk Cousins hasn’t thrown an interception at FedEx Field since Week 1, and Washington has recorded four consecutive triumphs at home.
Now, the Giants do have a much tougher remaining schedule. While Washington gets two games against the Tony Romo-less Dallas Cowboys and lackluster Philadelphia Eagles, New York hosts the Carolina Panthers and travels to face the Minnesota Vikings.
A loss to the G-Men doesn’t completely doom Gruden and Co., but Washington certainly doesn’t want to take that risk.