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The two winless teams in the NFC East face off on Sunday when the Washington Commanders host the New York Giants.
Both teams were particularly underwhelming in Week 1, each losing by double-digits. However, unlike the Giants, the Commanders showed some ability to run the ball.
The Giants looked lost following the offseason departure of running back Saquon Barkley, who scored three touchdowns in his debut with the Eagles.
Perhaps it was Barkley who had been responsible for the Giants’ meager offensive success.
Coming off an injury-riddled 2023 campaign, including a torn ACL, quarterback Daniel Jones was inept in Week 1. If he’s unable to use his legs as a dual-threat quarterback, it could be a long afternoon – and season – for the Giants.
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Giants outlook
Devin Singletary, who has the difficult task of trying to replace Barkley, finished with just 37 yards as the Giants had to abandon the run last week after trailing 21-3 three minutes into the third quarter.
When he did run the ball, Singletary averaged 3.7 yards per carry.
Giants fans have been clamoring for the organization to focus on the offensive line to protect the quarterback and improve the run blocking.
During the offseason, the team added RT Jermaine Eluemunor and guards Jon Runyan Jr. and Greg Van Roten. Yet, the Giants still allowed five sacks to the Vikings.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) currently ranks the Giants’ offensive line 29th in the NFL.
There’s a reason why Barkley was selected second overall in the draft — he overcame much of the shortcomings of the offensive line while also operating as a safety blanket for Jones.
The Giants’ performance was particularly concerning because the protection issues obviously troubled Jones.
According to the NFL’s Next Gen Stats, the quarterback averaged just 4.5 intended air yards per target, the second-worst mark in Week 1.
In his third year in Brian Daboll’s offensive system, Jones essentially turned into Checkdown Charlie and was reluctant to push the ball down the field.
Commanders outlook
Jayden Daniels at least provided some optimism for Commanders fans, completing 17-of-24 passes for 184 yards.
He was also responsible for both of Washington’s touchdowns with two scores on the ground. Perhaps more importantly, he didn’t throw any interceptions.
Although Daniels rushed for 88 yards on 16 carries, the Commanders would prefer that he operates more out of the pocket as a passer. The good news for the Commanders is their rookie seems to already have enough quality in his game to do so.
Washington looks to have the more talented wide receiver unit, ranked 17th by PFF, while the Giants are 27th.
The Commanders have a clear plan in building for the future with Daniels. On the other hand, Daniels’ former teammate at LSU, Malik Nabers, offered little support to his quarterback when reporters asked if Jones was looking enough for him down the field.
“I’m getting out on my routes and just trying to make a play,” said Nabers. “Trying to find a better throw for him to make. I was just doing my job. That’s all I can do.”
Nabers might just be wishing it would be Daniels throwing him the rock on Sunday instead of Jones.
Giants vs. Commanders pick
We’ve seen quite a few quarterbacks look sluggish in their return following a long injury absence, and Jones was no different. He wasn’t a threat in the passing game and was highly ineffective in the run-pass-option.
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While Daniels is still a rookie, he still offers more escapability than Jones.
My model has these teams close to even, but I give a slight edge to Washington as the home team. In a near-coinflip game, I’ll look to bypass the Commanders on the point spread and back them on the moneyline.
Best bet: Commanders ML (-125, BetMGM)
