NFL News & Analysis

NFL Week 16 PFF ReFocused: New York Giants 41, Washington Redskins 35

They needed overtime to do it, but the New York Giants eventually beat the Washington Redskins in Week 16 of NFL action.

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PFF's ReFocused series features immediate takeaways from the two analysts who graded the game live. The two offer a detailed breakdown of the game's most notable performances before the grades and advanced stats are reviewed and finalized by Senior Analysts.

All of PFF's grades and advanced stats from this game and the other games played this week will be finalized and made available to ELITE subscribers within 24 hours of the final whistle. ELITE subscribers can view player grades, advanced statistics, positional snap counts and more in Premium Stats.

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Final Score

New York Giants 41, Washington Redskins 35

New York Giants

The return of Daniel Jones brought a little bit of everything, but his overall performance was good for the most part. There were some errant throws and the seemingly obligatory fumble, but he returned from injury looking better than he has all season.

Saquon Barkley was the star of the show for the Giants this week. He made Washington defenders miss all day and churned out most of his rushing yards after contact.

Are we anywhere close to knowing where Leonard Williams will be playing in 2020? No doubt he will be looking for a bumper payday playing off his pedigree and potential, but his in-season trade to the Giants hasn't really worked out. Against Washington, there was no lack in effort, but you're looking for your big-time defensive linemen to win their battles quickly and Williams just didn't today.

It's not easy for a rookie sixth-rounder to be thrust into the starting lineup of any team, let alone a struggling one. But that's the position Corey Ballentine has found himself in, and the former Washburn star is undergoing a baptism of fire. He struggled again in coverage today, giving up several throws into his coverage, two of which went for touchdowns.

Washington Redskins

While Case Keenum ended up leading the team back, it was a shame to see Dwayne Haskins go down hurt after an impressive first half. Haskins has got better as the season has gone on, and he's given his franchise no indication that they need to look in a different direction.

A tough day for Washington's rushing attack coincided with a tough day for center Chase Roullier in the run game. The former Wyoming center has had a strong year for the most part, but this game contained several whiffs that will make his 2019 lowlight reel.

While the game ended with him getting beat for the game-winning touchdown, Landon Collins played like he had a point to prove against the Giants. He made a number of stops and was all over the field all day long.

Expectations were high for Jonathan Allen when Washington made him the No. 17 overall pick in the 2017 draft. But while he has become a good player, he has failed to make an impact as a truly dominant force. This game was largely symbolic of his NFL career — he made some splash plays but was quiet for most of the day.

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