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Will the Giants avoid an embarrassing 0-2 start?
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This question is important, after the loss of Daniel Jones and Co in the first week at home against the Broncos. Then, a Thursday night game in Washington, which will start Taylor Heinicke (nine career games, one start) in place of the injured Ryan Fitzpatrick.
The Giants are three-point underdogs for this game. Washington is also 0-1, having lost at home to the Chargers in Week 1.
Here’s how NJ Advance Media’s team of NFL experts sees the game Thursday night:
• Zack Rosenblatt, Giants reporter: The Giants’ Week 1 performance didn’t inspire much confidence that they can turn the tide and beat a Washington side with more talented defense and dynamic weapons on offense. If the Giants have any hope on Thursday, it’s because Heinicke is the quarterback. If this Giants’ defense, which was supposed to be one of the best in the league, can’t contain Heinicke – after letting Teddy Bridgewater destroy them – then it will be a long, bad season. Giants 13, Washington 10
• Darryl Slater, NFL reporter: The Giants can’t lose to Heinicke, can they? Of course, they can, even though he only has a start to his career and no wins as a starter. But Joe Judge and Co. will steer clear of an epic and embarrassing 0-2 start, though the overall issues will persist. Giants 20, Washington 13
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• Joey Chandler, Jets reporter: It won’t be pretty, but the pressure from the Giants should shake up inexperienced Heinicke enough to secure the victory. Giants 17, Washington 14
• Mike Kaye, Eagles reporter: It’s a big deal, guys. Whoever loses this one will be in a two game hole and will have an early division loss to boot. The Giants must take advantage of the talent differential between Fitzpatrick, sidelined with a hip injury, and Heinicke. After an embarrassing first effort against the Broncos, the Giants’ defense will rebound and smother Heinicke in a low-scoring game. Giants 16, Washington 13
• Chris Franklin, Eagles reporter: The Giants lost a winnable game against the Denver Broncos, but will have the chance to rebound against Washington. Heinicke starting quarterback instead of Fitzpatrick, Giants defensive coordinator Patrick Graham will devise a scheme to frustrate Heinicke. Jones won’t light up the scorecard against Washington’s strong defense, led by winger Chase Young, but will put the Giants’ offense in a position to score points. Kicker Graham Gano could be very busy Thursday. Giants 19, Washington 17
• Joe Giglio, sports journalist: Some of Jones’ best times in the NFL came against this Washington team. But I don’t know how the Giants block that front, grab onto the ball and reverse what looks like an early tidal wave. Washington 23, Giants 17
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Darryl Slater can be reached at [email protected].
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