Earlier this week, Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul warned Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III not to run the ball to JPP’s side of the field.
The Redskins ran the ball to all parts of the field in the first half and rolled up 146 rushing yards on their way to a 13-13 halftime tie. Alfred Morris has 94 of them as he’s bullied his way through a Giants defense that has looked alternately confused and well-blocked on many of Washington’s run plays. Griffin has 42 yards on three runs, including a 28-yard scamper to set up Kai Forbath’s second field goal. The blocking deserves credit for the lone Redskins touchdown, a screen to Santana Moss that he turned into a 26-yard touchdown as his teammates allowed no Giant within grabbing range.
All three of Washington’s possessions resulted in points, but it would have been worse if the Giants didn’t hold firm in the shadow of their own end zone. They held on the opening drive and Justin Tuck got his long awaited first sack of the season to end Washington’s final possession of the half.
The Giants offense has also moved the ball well through the first 30 minutes. Eli Manning has thrown for 186 yards, although he fired behind an open Victor Cruz in the end zone to force one of Lawrence Tynes’ two field goals. The Giants scored on three of their four possessions, with tackle Sean Locklear jumping on a fourth-and-inches to wipe out the first possession of the game.