Commanders head to the Meadowlands for NFC East Battle

Many of the league's oldest rivalries stem from the NFC East division. One of those rivalries adds another installment on Sunday as the Washington Commanders head to Jersey to play the Giants. These two teams have rich histories that have been blemished by recent times. Despite the Giants making last year's post-season, they have started this season 1-5 and aren't looking to be making a rebound. Washington has seen more success, sitting at .500 through six games.

For New York, many glaring questions present themselves heading into this weekend. None more significant than the health of some of the most critical players on the team, Andrew Thomas and Daniel Jones. Thomas is officially ruled out for the sixth straight game, and Jones is listed as questionable as he is dealing with a neck injury for the second week in a row. The injured list does not end there, however, as second-year Right Tackle Evan Neal is questionable to play with an ankle injury, and rookie center John Michael Schmitz is out with a shoulder injury. An Offensive Line that is in shambles may not be the best place to send your 40 million dollar QB out to play behind fresh off a neck injury, something I'm sure the Giants are keeping in mind.

If Jones can not go, backup Tyrod Taylor will take the reins for the second week. Taylor played decently enough to keep the Giants in the game last week vs Buffalo but ultimately fell short. Saquon Barkley returned for last week's game, and he was bottled up by the Bills defense outside of a few late-game possessions. Mustering up 93 yards on the ground on 24 carries and only five yards through the air, Barkley will look to bounce back and aid his team in the touchdown department this week.

Touchdowns have not been a hot commodity in New York this year. The Giant's primary goal should be getting into the endzone this Sunday, as they have been on a drought of 205 game-time minutes without one. Tight End Darren Waller should be heavily involved in that effort as he is the Giants’ best playmaker outside Barkley. Waller is still looking for his first touchdown as a Giant; one this weekend could be huge. A defense that is in the bottom ten in the league in passing yards and rushing yards allowed has to be exploited by the Giant's coaches and players. However, a decimated offensive line has to play well, as Washington is in the top 10 in the league in sacks. This week is a chance to take advantage of a weak defense and show some competence as an offense.

Last week's defensive performance should bring a lot of promise heading into this week. Rookie QB Sam Howell has shown a tendency to turn the ball over, as he has thrown six interceptions in as many weeks. New York has forced an interception two weeks in a row coming into Sunday. They will look to get their hands into passing lanes to create disruption and tip-ball opportunities. It is pivotal for the Giant's defensive line to match the intensity that Washington will bring. Kayvon Thibodeaux, the former fifth overall pick, has been on fire as of late. Registering four sacks in as many games, Thibodeaux has been the most productive Giant in the sack department so far. Dexter Lawrence has been phenomenal again this season. Lawrence is the only defensive lineman with an 80+ PFF grade in pass rushing and the run game. Big Dex got a big contract in the off-season and has proved his worth. This duo has to show its dominance this weekend if the Giants want any hope of saving the season.

This Sunday's classic showdown should be entertaining regardless of who is playing. NFC East battles are always hard-fought, and I expect no less on Sunday.