Five questions the Redskins face as they host the New York Giants on Thursday:
1. Can Kirk Cousins remain consistent? Since stepping in for the injured Robert Griffin III against Jacksonville on Sept. 14, Cousins has emphatically shown he can run the Redskins’ offense. What he hasn’t shown, however, is an ability to do so throughout the entirety of the game, and keeping his foot on the gas in crunch time is a necessity for strong quarterback play.
2. How will the Redskins replace DeAngelo Hall? The cornerback tore his left Achilles’ tendon on Sunday, ending his season. Rookie Bashaud Breeland is currently penciled in as Hall’s replacement, but waiting in the wings is Tracy Porter, who is close to returning after straining his right hamstring in the preseason.
3. Can Brian Orakpo be effective? Orakpo has been inconsistent this season, and the fact that he tore a ligament in the middle finger of his left hand on Sunday didn’t help him. The outside linebacker said Tuesday he’ll wear a hard cast on the finger for the game, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he’s asked to man the left side, as opposed to his usual right, to help him out.
4. Has Eli Manning adapted to his new offensive system? The Giants’ quarterback has had his share of struggles adjusting to the West Coast system installed by new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo this season, but he’s always seemed to find a groove when he faces off against Washington. The Giants are 13-6 with Manning at the helm.
5. Will the special teams units struggle again? Two of the Redskins’ three games have been marred by special teams miscues, with Kai Forbath missing a 33-yard field goal and the kickoff coverage unit allowing a 102-yard touchdown return on Sunday. The lapses have been in different areas, but they need to be fixed if the team wants to win.
• Zac Boyer can be reached at zboyer@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.