Each time, at least offensively, the Giants had their full complement of weapons - minus athletic tight end Travis Beckum - and the Redskins held the Giants well below their season average of 24.6 points per game.
How did they do it?
Haslett said the first thing you have to stop is the two-headed running attack of the quick Bradshaw and the powerful Brandon Jacobs.
“I think that’s kind of what they rely on,’’ Haslett said. “I think that’s what makes them go.
“They’ll start Jacobs, but Bradshaw is the guy, in my eyes. He’s one of the best blocking backs in the league. He’s got great acceleration, he’s fast, he’s really good on screens. I think he’s outstanding.’’
The second key is to keep quarterback Eli Manning, who also didn’t have center David Baas and fullback Henry Hynoski against the Patriots, in the pocket.
The Giants’ offensive line is average and will give up pressure - the Patriots had 21 combined hurries and knockdowns against Manning - but Manning seems to be unaffected.
“He’s a big guy,’’ Haslett said. “He’s 6-4, 230. Getting hit doesn’t really bother him. He knows he’s going to take some hits and it doesn’t faze him.’’
Manning is at his best when he escapes pressure and buys time for his receivers - Nicks, Mario Manningham, Victor Cruz, and tight end Jake Ballard - something Patriots fans don’t have to be reminded of.
“What you want to do is keep him in the pocket and make him throw over you, not give him clean lanes,’’ Haslett said. “That’s where he gets his big plays. That’s where Cruz gets out, Manningham and Jake, that’s where they get their plays.
“You’ve got to be disciplined in your rush and understand what he’s trying to do. He’s not going to run away from you, he’s not trying to run away from you, he’s just buying time to stand on his feet.’’
Haslett thinks all of the Giants’ skill players are impressive, but he especially admires Nicks, their No. 1 receiver.
