4 NFL Rookies Who will Stand Out in Week 3
By Jon Dove
Sterling Shepard, New York Giants vs. Washington Redskins
The marquee matchup this weekend is Odell Beckham Jr. vs. Josh Norman. These two are noted rivals that play on two teams, New York Giants and Washington Redskins, which happen to be division rivals. All the attention on this matchup should open things up for New York’s other receivers.
Sterling Shepard should be the main benefactor with Washington’s other top corner likely monitoring Victor Cruz.
Shepard has had a strong start to the season and appears to have developed a good relationship with Eli Manning. The veteran quarterback is already comfortable going to Shepard in big situations. This weekend he may need to target him more than usual.
Washington has already announced that they plan to have Norman shadow Beckham. This is going to be a great battle, but Eli won’t try to force the ball to his star receiver. Manning knows that this game is more about winning and not about Beckham getting the best of Norman.
Another factor leaning towards Shepard having a big game is injury to Rashad Jennings. New York may be forced to go with Shane Vereen as their top running back which could mean more passing attempts. Vereen is significantly more dangerous in the passing game than he is as a runner.