Giants-Redskins first look: Story lines include Daniel Jones, Landon Collins, Jay Gruden, more

Can Daniel Jones continue his magical ride?

After a tantalizing preseason, Jones turned in a stunning first NFL start last Sunday by accounting for four touchdowns and leading an 18-point comeback as the New York Giants defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 32-31.

Jones gets his first start in front of the home crowd at MetLife Stadium this Sunday as the 1-2 Giants host the 0-3 Washington Redskins. The Giants are 3-point favorites in this NFC East matchup.

The Jones story is one of several interesting ones to follow this week. Among the others:

• Redskins rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins is apparently going to watch Case Keenum play again. That’s kind of a bummer for those who were hoping for a Haskins-Jones matchup.
• Washington coach Jay Gruden is already being asked about his job security. ESPN Redskins writer John Kiem is predicting that either Gruden or defensive coordinator Greg Manusky could be fired if the Redskins lose to the Giants.
• Landon Collins returns to MetLife and faces the Giants for the first time. That’s going to be interesting considering all of the venom Collins has spewed toward the Giants and GM Dave Gettleman since signing with Washington.
• Oh, by the way it’s an NFC East game and the Giants can get to 2-2 and begin to think about the possibility of playing meaningful games late into the season.
• How will the Giants cope without star running back Saquon Barkley?
• Can the Giants young defense show some progress?

Numbers to know

336 — Daniel Jones’ 336 passing yards vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ranks second among rookie debuts over the past 10 season (Cam Newton, 402).

277 — Evan Engram (277) ranks second among tight ends in receiving yards (Travis Kelce, 284).

22.0 — T.J. Jones ranks first in the NFL with a 22.0-yard average on punt returns. His 60-yard return vs. the Buffalo Bills in Week 2 is the longest punt return in the NFL so far this season.

25 — Engram is looking for a third straight game with a reception of at least 25 yards. Since 2017 Engram has 16 such receptions, fourth among tight ends.

5 — Giants quarterbacks have fumbled 5 times this season -- most in NFL (per Inside Edge).

267.7 — The Giants defense has allowed 267.7 yards from scrimmage per game to wide receivers this season -- highest in NFL; League Avg: 175.4 (per Inside Edge).

12 — The Giants defense has allowed 12 touchdowns this season -- tied for second-highest in the NFL (per Inside Edge)