Eli Manning sacked 7 times in Redskins win

EAST RUTHERFORD Eli Manning held the ball and waited. He frantically looked down the field, desperately trying to find an open receiver. But as was the case for most of the afternoon, the New York Giants quarterback, again, found himself in a similar spot: on the ground.

The Redskins defense had seven sacks in Sunday’s 20-13 win over the Giants and the unit carried them to their third straight victory. Washington is now 5-2 and remains in first place in the NFC East.

The final score was closer than most of the game felt.

New York scored its lone touchdown with just 17 seconds left when Manning connected with tight end Evan Engram on a two-yard score.

For most of the game, the Redskins defense was largely in control.

Manning had 316 yards, but threw interceptions both picks by safety D.J. Swearinger. The veteran quarterback had little time to throw, often resorting to check downs and passes short of the sticks.

Redskins defensive end Matt Ioannidis led his team with 2 1/2 sacks, while linebacker Ryan Kerrigan had 1 1/2. Defensive tackle Daron Payne, defensive end Jonathan Allen and linebacker Josh Harvey-Clemons also each recorded a sack.

Washington’s defense was without cornerback Quinton Dunbar (shin) for the second straight game. That meant seventh-rounder Greg Stroman was occasionally matched up with star Odell Beckham, which, on paper, figured to be a problem for the Redskins.

But the Virginia Tech corner held his own. Beckham torched Stroman for a 44-yard gain, but that was the only notable big play surrendered by the rookie.

The Redskins relied on a group effort to contain Beckham, who finished with 136 yards on eight catches.

Rookie running back Saquon Barkley was also kept in check with 38 yards on 13 carries.

Washingtons offense, meanwhile, wasnt flashy or efficient. The Redskins’ best drive of the afternoon occurred in the first quarter a 10-play, 78-yard series that put them up 7-0. Quarterback Alex Smith found Adrian Peterson on a check down and the running back ran into the end zone for a seven-yard touchdown.

For most of the afternoon, though, the Redskins offense, though,couldnt capitalize on their defenses stops.

Smith went 20 of 32 for 178 yards and averaged just 5.6 yards per attempt. The Redskins made an effort to get their top playmakers involved, but often settled for having to punt or a field goal.

Peterson, who had 149 yards on 26 carries, sealed the game for the Redskins late ripping off a 64-yard run to put the Redskins up 20-6 with 3:13 remaining.