Giants vs Commanders
By: Jake Rajala
A divisional duel between the New York Giants and Washington Commanders is on the horizon. We all know that each team has star players. The GMEN have Malik Nabers on offense and a triple headed monster (Brian Burns, Kavyon Thibodeaux, and Abdul Carter) on defense. As for the Commanders, they have Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel, and Bobby Wagner. The question clouding each team is: who are the x factors?
Paulson Adebo
Paulson Adebo is coming over from the Big Easy. Adebo is in his prime at 26 years old. He has 7 ints in his past two seasons combined (and he also missed 10 games last season). He had 18 pass deflections in 2023. He is efficient against the run, as well.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt
All eyes are on the former Charger Austin Ekeler. Let’s not forget about the all-purpose RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt. He was drafted in the seventh round, but he was projected to be picked in the fifth round. Kliff Kingsbury will know how to utilize him in space.
Daron Payne
The big man, Daron Payne, can clog the hole and eat up double teams. I still believe he can turn back the clock to his 2022 season, where he unleashed 11.5 sacks, 18 TFLs, and five pass deflections. I would put Payne right next to Von Miller and have the foe pick their poison. They won’t double team both DL.
Laremy Tunsil
I know Laremy Tunsil is floating between a star player and an x-factor. He will be key against the Giants edge rushers, who are all capable of double digit sacks. Tunsil will need to get to the second level in plays where Jayden Daniels looks to pop a big run.
The Commanders may have went all the way to the NFC Championship last season, but that doesn’t mean each team isn’t on a clean slate. The GMEN have Russell Wilson and Jaxson Dart, who are both upgrades over Daniel Jones. Furthermore, their defense can really get after the passer, without blitzing. Of course, it must be noted that the Commanders may be even better than last season, as they acquired Deebo Samuel.
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