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Thursday, September 16
 
Baxter Bits: Redskins vs. Giants

By Russell S. Baxter
Special to ESPN.com

The Redskins head to New York to meet the Giants.

The Giants own a 76-54-4 lead in this longtime series (including a pair of postseason battles) and have dominated as of late, prevailing in 15 of the last 22 meetings (one tie) between the clubs dating back to 1988.

Last season, these clubs split their season series for the first time since 1992. On opening day at Giants Stadium (Week 1), New York's defense recorded eight sacks of since-departed Redskins' QBs Gus Frerotte and Trent Green and forced three turnovers (including Giants' DE Michael Strahan's 24-yard return for a touchdown of a Frerotte interception) as Jim Fassel's team held on for a 31-24 triumph.

Eight weeks later at Washington (Week 9), Green threw for 225 yards and a touchdown, plus ran for another score, as the then-winless Redskins (0-7) posted a 21-14 victory.

Although the Giants have had their way in this rivalry in recent years, they are just 5-3 in the last eight encounters between the teams at Giants Stadium dating back to '91.

Numbers: Since 1993, the Redskins have given up 130 or more yards rushing in 49-of-97 games, 200 or more yards on the ground in 11 of those contests, while limiting the opposition to fewer than 100 yards rushing in just 20 of those 97 games. The Redskins have allowed 120 or more yards rushing in seven straight games and 13 of their last 17 contests dating back to '98. After scoring just 93 points in their first seven games (0-7), the Redskins have scored 261 points in their last 10 contests (6-4) dating back to '98.

The Giants have forced two or more turnovers in 21 of their last 29 games (22-of-30, including playoffs) dating back to '97. The Giants have scored 227 points and committed just seven turnovers in nine wins, while scoring just 77 points and committing 17 turnovers in eight losses dating back to '98. The Giants have forced 26 turnovers and totaled 37 sacks in nine wins, while totaling just five takeaways and 19 sacks in eight losses dating back to '98. Since 1996 (including playoffs), the Giants have committed just 22 turnovers in 25 wins, 57 turnovers in 24 losses and a tie.

Things To Look For: The Redskins had the Cowboys on the ropes and a victory might have set the stage for a big year, but now Norv Turner's club could find itself in an 0-2 hole within the division. New York's offense did little or nothing at Tampa last week, but the Giants' defense took matters into its own hands and stole one from the Bucs. Turner needs a big effort from his offensive front and RB Stephen Davis.

Etc.: Since 1993, the Redskins are 36-60-1 and have started nine different quarterbacks (Brad Johnson, as well as since-departed QBs Mark Rypien, Cary Conklin, Rich Gannon, John Friesz, Heath Shuler, Gus Frerotte, Jeff Hostetler, Trent Green) over that span. The Redskins are 16-24-1 in their last 41 contests after opening 7-1 in '96. They are just 14-34-1 vs. divisional competition since 1993 (0-1 in '99).

Including playoffs, Giants are 12-3-1 vs. NFC East opponents under head coach Jim Fassel (1997-99). The Giants have won five straight games dating back to '98.




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