(Photo Courtesy: Robert Deutsch/ USA TODAY)
The Giants came into the season finale on Sunday hosting the division Rival Redskins in hopes of ending the season on a high note. With both teams eliminated from playoff contention there wasn’t much to play for. Both teams are expected to have a number of changes this coming offseason. It was also reported prior to the game that Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan would be fired after the season finale. Yet, there was a game played at a windy and rainy MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
In a sloppy meaningless game the Giants would take it to the Redskins, 20-6. The Redskins disappointing season continued as they got swept on the season series against the Giants. For Washington it was their eighth straight loss and many questions do remain about the Redskins next year.
Unfortunately for the Redskins, the loss will not improve their first round draft position as they traded their first round pick to the Rams for Robert Griffin III. The same Robert Griffin, who was benched for the final few games of the season for Kirk Cousins.
Sunday Cousins threw two interceptions as the Redskins only scored two field goals in the game. The Redskins would also fumble twice to total four turnovers on the day. Jerrel Jernigan continued an impressive end of the season as he had 90 yards and a touchdown.
For the Giants, The win came costly as the injury bug hit the Giants with the bad weather. Eli Manning did not play in the second half with an ankle injury. Receivers Hakeem Nicks and Ruben Randle did not last the whole game. The most gruesome injury came on a tip play where Will Beaty broke his leg. Also, the win may have moved them back a few positions in the draft, but they did end the season on a high note. Still, many questions remain for the coaching staff and players moving forward to next season for Big Blue. Jerrel Jernigan had another productive day providing the Giants with more leverage and comfort in the talks with free agent wide receiver Hakeem Nicks. Nicks plans to talk to the Giants this week about the future.
Justin Tuck was aware that Sundays game may be his last in a Giants uniform, which was hard to imagine considering what a big piece he was to the team during the two Super Bowl runs. Another future in question is Offensive Coordinator Kevin Gilbride, as his offense extremely underperformed all season long. Eli Manning led the NFL in interceptions as well as a career high in sacks.
It was a disappointing year for the Giants, who began the season with a Super Bowl countdown. Now the Giants will have a lot of work to do to improve for next year. The NFL has become a year to year league and in a very weak NFC East division we will see what moves the Giants make in the offseason to compete next year.
Tyler Henry: PureSportsNY