Giants vs. Redskins Halftime Score 21-16: Giants lead despite sloppy finish to a strong half

Observers and media members were wondering what would happen when Odell Beckham met Josh Norman for the second time. The answer was “not much”.

For the other twenty-some players on the field, it was a busy game.

The Giants jumped out to an early 7-0 lead after their first possession stalled, but were awarded a second chance on a Redskins special teams gaffe that gave them a second chance deep in the Giants’ territory. A good run by Shane Vereen — sprung by a great block by John Jerry -- followed by catch and run by Sterling Shepard set the Giants up by a 1-yard touchdown run by Vereen. They followed that up with a touchdown pass to Shepard and a rushing touchdown by Orleans Darkwa.

With starting running back Rashad Jennings out with a thumb and wrist injury, Vereen has stepped up impressively with several big runs up the middle. An aborted fumble and a fumble recovered by the Washington defense have held the offense back.

The Giants defense held the Washington offense to field goals on three offensive possessions despite being put in difficult positions by the Giants’ own kicking game. A kick out of bound and a bad punt followed by a long return set Washington up with great field position, but the New York defense stood strong. They finally found the endzone on a long reception by Desean Jackson.

The Redskins will get the ball to start the second half after poor clock management and a sack by Jason Pierre-Paul kept Washington from scoring points of any kind after Vereen’s fumble.

Both teams suffered defensive losses as Washington lost Breshaud Breeland (ankle) and safety DeAngelo Hall (knee) while Giants rookie Eli Apple was ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Use this as your second half open thread.