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After all the talk about whether the Giants would rest their star players in a “meaningless” game, the answer looks like a definite “No”. Like they have all season long, it was the defense that came out and set the tone for the New York Giants.
The Washington Redskins got the ball to start the game, and the Giants got a quick three and out to get the ball to their offense. The Giants’ offense was off the field quickly as well, but got the ball right back off a second great defensive stand. The offense got traction on their second drive as the running game started to move the ball with Paul Perkins and Eli Manning routinely found his receivers. The promising drive ended in a field goal after an intentional grounding penalty, but it was a positive sign.
They picked up where they left off on their next possession and the long, methodical drive finished in a Rashad Jennings rushing touchdown.
Eli Manning finished the half 12 of 18 with 112 yards, and the Giants have 194 yards of total offense.
The Giants’ defense was stout, stifling a potent Washington offense to the tune of 83 total yards and just 11:24 time of possession. The Giants also got a trio of sacks in the first half. The first was by Damon Harrison, the second split between Landon Collins and Olivier Vernon, and the third by a blitzing Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.
The Giants will get the ball to start the second half.