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The Washington Commanders and New York Giants face off in a crucial game as both teams vie for success.

The Washington Commanders and New York Giants will face off in a regular season game on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Both teams entered the season with the goal of closing the gap on the dominant teams in the NFC East, the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys. As the halfway point of the season approaches, the Commanders hold a 3-3 record and are closer to success than the struggling Giants, who have lost four consecutive games and sit at 1-5.

There is a lot at stake for both teams in this matchup. Washington narrowly missed out on a playoff spot last year, largely due to their 0-1-1 record against the Giants. The Giants, who made the playoffs last season with a 9-7-1 record, are in a must-win situation. Only three teams since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970 have started a season with a 1-5 record and gone on to make the postseason. The '70 Bengals were the only team to start 1-6 and still make the playoffs.

Despite their recent struggles, the Giants remain optimistic about their chances. Linebacker Bobby Okereke emphasized the long season ahead and the importance of divisional games. He believes that with a win under their belt, the team can start to turn things around.

Both teams are coming off solid performances in their previous games. The Commanders ended a three-game losing streak with a victory over the Falcons in Atlanta, while the Giants played their most complete game of the season in a close 14-9 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night.

The Giants are expected to start backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor for the second consecutive week, as starter Daniel Jones is dealing with a neck injury. Taylor performed well against the Bills, completing 24 of 36 passes for 200 yards and adding 24 rushing yards. The Giants' offense has struggled this season, failing to score a first-half touchdown and going 205 minutes without scoring in their last three-plus games.

For the Commanders, rookie cornerback Emmanuel Forbes is uncertain about his role in the upcoming game. After being benched for the entire previous game, Forbes said he has no idea what the coaching staff has planned for him. Head coach Ron Rivera acknowledged the challenge of balancing player development with the desire to win games. Forbes has had a tough season so far, allowing 20 catches for 401 yards on 27 targets, the second most of any defender in the NFL this season.

Former Giants offensive lineman Nick Gates will have the opportunity to face his old team for the first time since signing with the Commanders. Gates spent his first four seasons with the Giants and holds no hard feelings towards them, recognizing that it's all part of the business of the NFL.

The Giants' offensive line is dealing with injuries, with left tackle Andrew Thomas and center John Michael Schmitz unlikely to play. This could lead to a makeshift line featuring Justin Pugh at left tackle, Mark Glowinski at left guard, Ben Bredeson at center, Marcus McKethan at right guard, and Evan Neal at right tackle. The Giants have had different starting offensive lines in each game this season.

On the defensive side, Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke has been a standout player for the team. After joining the Giants as a free agent in the offseason, Okereke has been making plays all over the field, recording double-digit tackles in three consecutive games. He leads the team with 53 tackles, including five for losses, and has also contributed with five passes defensed, two forced fumbles, and an interception.

In conclusion, the Washington Commanders and New York Giants are preparing for a crucial divisional matchup. Both teams are looking to close the gap on the dominant teams in the NFC East and secure a playoff spot. The Giants, in particular, are in a must-win situation as they try to turn their season around. The game will feature backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor starting for the Giants and uncertainty surrounding the role of rookie cornerback Emmanuel Forbes for the Commanders. Former Giant Nick Gates will face his old team for the first time since joining the Commanders. The Giants' offensive line is dealing with injuries, and linebacker Bobby Okereke has been a standout player for the team on defense.

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