1. Can the Redskins protect the ball? Washington gained a season-high 480 yards of offense in the first meeting, but four turnovers undermined that success in a 27-23 loss. As the Redskins proved in the past two games, they’ll win if they don’t turn it over.
2. Will RG3 meet the moment again? He threw four touchdowns on the NFL’s heralded Thanksgiving Day stage to perpetuate the notion he plays his best when the pressure is on and the stakes are high. His approach: “Don’t make any moment too big so you can’t seize it,” he said Wednesday.
3. Will the Redskins prevent the big play? Victor Cruz’s game-winning 77-yard touchdown catch in the final 73 seconds of the first meeting sent the Redskins reeling. Members of the secondary must execute their responsibilities, and the front seven must effectively pressure quarterback Eli Manning
4. Can the Redskins’ defense force turnovers? In resuscitating their season with wins over Philadelphia and Dallas, the Redskins rediscovered how turnovers are an essential component of their winning formula. They forced three each in those games. It starts Monday with pressuring Manning.
5. Will the offensive line protect Robert Griffin III? The Giants sacked Griffin three times in the first meeting. Griffin must be decisive with his reads and throw in rhythm because the Redskins’ line generally isn’t effective protecting for more than three seconds.
• Rich Campbell can be reached at rcampbell@washingtontimes.com.
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