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News | Washington Commanders - Commanders.com

Redskins-Giants Marquee Matchups Presented By Papa John's

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Redskins.com looks at two key matchups to keep an eye on during Sunday's Redskins-Giants game at FedExField.

"Redskins-Giants Marquee Matchups" is presented by Papa John's.

Every Monday, fans can order a large cheese pizza for only $9.99, plus for each touchdown that the Redskins score, fans get one free topping. And with a Redskins victory, fans get double the toppings.


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-- OFFENSE

Rex Grossman vs. Giants Pass Rush

The Redskins sacrificed a degree of mobility when they made the change from Donovan McNabb to Rex Grossman two weeks ago.

In his two-game stint as the Redskins' starter, Grossman has been sacked six times, five coming in the Week 15 game vs. Dallas.

Overall, Grossman has completed 48-of-89 passes – a 53.9 completion percentage – for 548 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions.

When McNabb started against New York in Week 13, left tackle Trent Williams was slowed by injury and the pass protection struggled overall. McNabb was sacked four times and absorbed 10 quarterback hits as the Giants dominated 31-7 at New Meadowlands Stadium.

The Giants' defensive line remains one of the best in the NFL. The unit is tied for first in the NFL in sacks with 44.

Justin Tuck leads the defense with 11 sacks, Osi Umenyiora has 10 and rookie Jason Pierre-Paul has 4.5, including two on McNabb in the Week 13 matchup.

Tuck has been a thorn in the Redskins' side in recent years. He has posted a sack in six of his last seven games vs. Washington. Since 2007, he has six sacks and two forced fumbles against the Redskins.

Defensive tackle Barry Cofield is having a strong season as well – he has a career-high 50 tackles and four sacks.

-- DEFENSE

Redskins Run Defense vs. Brandon Jacobs/Ahmad Bradshaw

Guess what the top defensive matchup was in the first Redskins-Giants matchup earlier this season. Yep, it's the same as this week.

Slowing the thunder-and-lightning combo of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw is certainly the Redskins' top priority in the rematch at FedExField.

The Redskins' run defense has mostly struggled in the second half of the season and the unit heads into the season finale ranked 25th in the category.

Last week, the defense showed progress, allowing just 78 rushing yards on 23 carries, a 3.4 yards-per-carry average, in the 20-17 win over Jacksonville. But that was with Jaguars star running back Maurice Jones-Drew sidelined due to injury.

In the first Redskins-Giants game, tackling was a problem for the Redskins. Jacobs and Bradshaw broke loose on numerous occasions and the Giants compiled 197 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns.

Jacobs assumed the Giants' starting job midseason and has posted 774 rushing yards, eight touchdowns and a 5.8 yards-per-carry average. Bradshaw has 1,213 rushing yards and eight touchdowns as well, but six fumbles cost him the starting job.

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