The Redskins have officially gone from forgotten to the middle of the playoff race after a third straight win. After Monday's 17-16 win over the Giants, Washington is just one game behind New York for first place in the NFC East, and also one game behind Seattle for the final wild card spot. The Redskins have just one game left against a team that currently has a winning record (Sunday vs. Baltimore). With renewed confidence and a star rookie quarterback, the Redskins like their chances.
Offense: B+
The Redskins scored just 17 points, but they only ran 52 plays because the Giants controlled the ball with 33 minutes, 13 seconds time of possession. The Redskins ability to hit big plays helped as they averaged 7.1 yards per play. Quarterback Robert Griffin III posted fine passing numbers -- 13 of 21 for 163 yards and one touchdown -- and added 72 more yards on five runs. Running back Alfred Morris and wide receiver Pierre Garcon stood out. Morris rushed for 124 yards on 22 carries -- though his red-zone fumble could have been costly -- while Garcon had 106 yards receiving and a touchdown. Left tackle Trent Williams played in pain and at about 70 percent efficiency because of a thigh bruise. But he was good enough to help hold New York’s pass rush to no sacks. Previous game's grade: A
Offense: B+
The Redskins scored just 17 points, but they only ran 52 plays because the Giants controlled the ball with 33 minutes, 13 seconds time of possession. The Redskins ability to hit big plays helped as they averaged 7.1 yards per play. Quarterback Robert Griffin III posted fine passing numbers -- 13 of 21 for 163 yards and one touchdown -- and added 72 more yards on five runs. Running back Alfred Morris and wide receiver Pierre Garcon stood out. Morris rushed for 124 yards on 22 carries -- though his red-zone fumble could have been costly -- while Garcon had 106 yards receiving and a touchdown. Left tackle Trent Williams played in pain and at about 70 percent efficiency because of a thigh bruise. But he was good enough to help hold New York’s pass rush to no sacks. Previous game's grade: A
Defense: B
For the first half, the Redskins played at a C-minus level, allowing 273 total yards as New York dominated the ball. The reason that grade isn't worse is because they held the Giants to 13 points in the first half. That’s what matters. They did not create turnovers, but in the second half the Redskins held New York to 117 total yards and one scoring drive, again stiffening in the red zone. Linebacker London Fletcher led the Redskins with 12 tackles while playing with a badly sprained left ankle; he was in a walking boot after the game. The pass rush helped a little more in the second half; linebacker Rob Jackson had a sack and drew a hold. Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw rushed for 89 of his 103 yards in the first three quarters. Previous game's grade: B
For the first half, the Redskins played at a C-minus level, allowing 273 total yards as New York dominated the ball. The reason that grade isn't worse is because they held the Giants to 13 points in the first half. That’s what matters. They did not create turnovers, but in the second half the Redskins held New York to 117 total yards and one scoring drive, again stiffening in the red zone. Linebacker London Fletcher led the Redskins with 12 tackles while playing with a badly sprained left ankle; he was in a walking boot after the game. The pass rush helped a little more in the second half; linebacker Rob Jackson had a sack and drew a hold. Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw rushed for 89 of his 103 yards in the first three quarters. Previous game's grade: B
Special teams: B
It was the same old night for special teams, with PK Kai Forbath making another field goal and P Sav Rocca dropping a 51-yarder and having another punt downed inside the 20. The return game was nothing special -- again. Brandon Banks continues to have a disappointing season. It helped that Niles Paul returned one kickoff 39 yards, helping to set up a field goal drive late in the first half. The coverage units were again solid. Nothing special here; just efficiency. But they could use a big return from Banks. Previous game's grade: B
Coaching: A-
The Redskins’ defense was getting shredded in the first half, save for when the Giants reached inside the Washington 30-yard line. But give the Redskins credit for adjusting. In the first half they used mostly four-man rushes and a lot of combination coverages. In the second half they went to five-man rushes and more man coverage. Giants quarterback Eli Manning missed some open deep throws, but overall the group fared well. Offensively they pounded away with 207 yards rushing and went off-script often. One play that stood out: the third-and-1 in the third quarter in which Griffin faked a zone read handoff to Alfred Morris and kept it around left end for 46 yards. The Giants bit hard on the fake and Griffin had open space. They still get a little cute on occasion, but they maximized their 52 plays. Overall, the coaches deserve credit for keeping the team focused when they were 3-6, giving them the ability to win three straight. Previous game's grade: A-
John Keim covers the Redskins for the Washington Examiner. Follow him on Twitter @CBSRedskins or @John_Keim.