This Sunday, the Washington Commanders will kick off their 2024 NFL season against the New York Giants at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. The game is scheduled for 1:00 PM EDT, marking an exciting start to the week 1 NFL action. Last season, the Commanders finished strong with a record of 12-5, advancing to the NFC Championship game. In contrast, the Giants struggled with a disappointing 3-14 record, earning them the 3rd overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. Interestingly, despite their contrasting records, the Commanders managed to defeat the Giants by no more than a single score in both of their matchups last year.
With a complete offseason to recover and enhance their roster, the New York Giants could present a much stronger challenge this season. One of the most significant changes was at the quarterback position. Following a tumultuous season, the Giants granted Daniel Jones his release request in November. In an attempt to revamp their offense, the team signed veteran quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston in free agency and traded back into the first round of the 2025 draft to select promising quarterback Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss.
While Dart has shown potential in limited preseason appearances, it’s been confirmed that Russell Wilson will start the season as the quarterback. Under head coach Brian Daboll, the Giants seem to have adopted two distinct offensive strategies: a pro-style offense utilizing play action to create deep passing opportunities, and a college-style offense focused on run-pass options (RPOs) for Dart.
On defense, the Giants have bolstered their lineup by adding Abdul Carter to their already formidable defensive line. Carter is generating buzz with comparisons to Micah Parsons due to his explosive edge-rushing capabilities, having transitioned from an off-ball linebacker in college. The Giants' defensive line now includes All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and Pro Bowl edge rusher Brian Burns, creating a formidable front that should be tough to face.
While the off-ball linebacker and defensive back positions may lack the same star power as the defensive line, the Giants possess a solid group of players and ample depth, which could prove crucial throughout the season.
To gain deeper insights into the Giants' preparations for the upcoming clash, I had the opportunity to ask Ed Valentine of Big Blue View five key questions about the team's current state.
1. What to Expect from the Giants' Offense Under Russell Wilson?Valentine believes that Wilson remains one of the league’s elite deep-ball throwers. Last season, he ranked second in the NFL for deep ball completion percentage, trailing only Sam Darnold. The Giants struggled with deep passing in 2024, as their quarterbacks completed just 21.4% of deep throws. With Wilson under center, fans can expect a significant shift in the deep-ball strategy, which should open up opportunities for the offense.
2. Evaluating GM Joe Schoen's Draft PerformanceThere has been criticism regarding GM Joe Schoen's earlier draft picks, but Valentine highlights a positive trend in the 2024 and 2025 drafts. Schoen has acknowledged the learning curve he faced during his initial drafts without a fully established front office. Now, with a revamped scouting staff, he appears to have a clearer vision, which has led to improved selections in recent drafts.
3. What Makes the Giants' Defense Special?Valentine points to the anticipated strength of the Giants' pass rush as a key factor that could make their defense exceptional. With Lawrence and Burns leading the charge, along with the addition of Carter, the potential is there for a dominant defensive front. However, there are lingering concerns about the run defense, which underperformed last season despite the new additions.
4. Who Are the Under-the-Radar Players to Watch?On offense, James Hudson could be a name to watch. Likely starting at left tackle due to Andrew Thomas' recovery from surgery, Hudson brings athleticism and a fierce competitive spirit, although his penchant for penalties will be closely monitored. On defense, third-round pick Darius Alexander from Toledo is someone to keep an eye on as he develops alongside Lawrence.
5. Game Planning for the MatchupValentine suggests that the Commanders should aim to limit the Giants' passing game by focusing on players other than Malik Nabers. Making the Giants one-dimensional could be crucial for Washington’s defense. On offense, establishing a strong run game while avoiding obvious passing situations will be key to success against a talented Giants pass rush.
As anticipation builds for this exciting NFL season opener, fans will be eager to see how both teams perform and what strategies will unfold on the field. Stay tuned for an action-packed game between the Washington Commanders and New York Giants this Sunday!
