LANDOVER, Md. — At times like this, it comes down to many things, some tangible, others hidden away. And for the Giants and what motivation they may or may not have, it comes down to this:
“It’s definitely important, just for our own belief,’’ Victor Cruz said.
Who knows what the Giants believe about themselves right about now. They invested all they had into last week’s last-second, 24-21 loss to the Cowboys, a setback that bankrupted their playoff aspirations. The countdown to the end of the line is put in motion Sunday night at FedEx Field against the Redskins, a prime-time game featuring a pair of not-ready-for-prime-time teams struggling to stay out of the NFC East basement.
Incentive, fighting spirit, desire — it all might be negotiable this time of year.
“We understand we can do it, we understand we can win these games but we have to go out there and do it in order to keep our belief high, keep our faith high and keep our energy high,’’ said Cruz, who welcomes back running mate Hakeem Nicks at receiver. “I think we’re going to go out Sunday night and put our best game forward and really surprise some people.’’
As so often happens when teams fade out of contention, the injury list has grown, with Jason Pierre-Paul, Brandon Jacobs, Trumaine McBride and Corey Webster all banged up and ruled out.
A look inside the game:
BEST BATTLE
Redskins RB Alfred Morris vs. Giants MLB Jon Beason
For some reason, it doesn’t seem as if Morris in his second season is having the impact he did as a rookie, but there he is, third in the NFL in rushing with 970 yards and averaging more yards per carry (5.0) than any of the league’s top 12 running backs. Beason did not have a strong game vs. the Cowboys and will need to be at his best and sharpest getting the defense lined up to deal with this often confounding rushing attack.
MISERY LOVES COMPANY
The Giants do not want to star in a “Hangover’’ sequel, but it remains to be seen how much was taken out of them by the devastating loss to the Cowboys. The overflowing confidence and anticipation for that game has been replaced by … what? We shall see.
“We’re playing in the NFL, and after a number of years, you’re going to have some games that you wish you had won and thought you could have won,’’ Eli Manning said, “but you’ve got to watch the film and make some corrections and just come back and start game planning for a different defense and make sure we get ready to go out there and play better.’’
REUNION TIME
Barry Cofield loved playing for the Giants, and the Giants loved having Cofield on their side. But business is business, which is why he left after the 2010 season to sign with the rival Redskins. Given his selfless, smart ways, Cofield quickly emerged as a leader with his new team and was named defensive captain at midseason last year, a role he continues to hold. A sturdy, dependable nose tackle from Northwestern, Cofield has missed one game in his eight-year career, has started 121 of his 122 NFL games and has six tackles for loss, 20 quarterback pressures, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
GROUND AND POUND
The Redskins average 150.2 rushing yards per game, second in the league behind the Eagles. Morris, Robert Griffin III and Roy Helu all average around five yards a carry. The individual talents combine with coach Mike Shanahan’s zone blocking scheme to churn out the yards, making this a huge test for the Giants and their No. 7-ranked run defense.
“They present a lot of problems especially to the defensive ends,’’ Justin Tuck said. “You’re going to see every block known to man. And if you play this block right, they’re going have the same look with an opposite play. It’s really designed to put as much pressure on the defense as I’ve seen, and that’s the brilliance of Shanahan. He’s done it ever since he’s been in the league. Remember Terrell Davis at Denver and all those 1,000-yard backs he’s had ever since? It’s still very alive and well today.’’
OF SECONDARY CONCERN
The Redskins are far more run-oriented than pass-oriented, a good thing for the Giants, given the state of their defensive backfield. Cornerbacks Trumaine McBride and Corey Webster are out, meaning Jayron Hosley, who has had an invisible second season, gets thrust onto the field to fill a prominent role. The Redskins have one major threat, Pierre Garcon (75 receptions, 919 yards, three TDs), and the Giants want to see Prince Amukamara on him as often as possible.
D.C. FLOP
At this time one year ago, the Redskins were on their way staging a remarkable closing run, using the brilliance of rookie quarterback Griffin to soar through the second half of the 2012 season on a seven-game winning streak, going from 3-6 to finish 10-6 and win the NFC East title. This time around, RG3 is struggling, there are more than whispers about his physical status and possible selfish tendencies. The ’Skins have lost three straight to drop out of contention. There’s speculation Shanahan won’t be back.
“You just have to concentrate on your job, and if you start listening to things on the outside, just like players, you get distracted and you don’t do as a good a job as you should,’’ Shanahan said. “If you don’t have the ability to do that, the chances are you’re not going to be in this profession very long.’’
NUMBERS TO KNOW
105.9
Robert Griffin’s quarterback rating in two games last season vs. the Giants. He completed 33 of 49 passes for 421 yards, three TDs and one INT. He also ran 14 times for 161 yards.
45
Receptions for Redskins rookie tight end Jordan Reed, second among all NFL rookies to Keenan Allen of the Chargers. And Reed has missed 2 ¹/₂ games this season.
15
Interceptions Eli Manning has thrown in 17 career games vs. the Redskins. He has just 14 touchdown passes in the 17 games but also a record of 11-6.
PAUL’S PICK: Maybe the Giants are emotionally spent now that the harsh reality of no playoffs on the horizon is sinking in. Or maybe they relax, let out all the frustration and finally put together a big performance. We’ll go with the second scenario, as Eli Manning and the passing attack finally soar.
GIANTS 31, REDSKINS 17