The New York Giants are about to face their second divisional opponent of the 2020 NFL season on Sunday. After a disappointing and heartbreaking loss to the Dallas Cowboys last week, New York fell to 0-5. The Giants are traveling to Washington this week to play their second divisional opponent of the season: the 1-4 Washington Football Team.
Washington’s offense has been dysfunctional this season, like the Giants. But as the Giants have a talented young receiver in Darius Slayton acting as a bright spot, Washington has their own receiver doing the same. Terry McLaurin, Washington’s third-round pick in last year’s draft, is a rising star that has ascended as the lone bright spot in Washington’s offense.
Luckily for the New York Giants, their brightest star on the defensive side of the ball will be the one tasked with guarding Terry McLaurin. Cornerback James Bradberry has been playing at an elite level for the New York Giants and will be tasked with guarding McLaurin on Sunday.
Terry McLaurin Stats and Highlights
Terry McLaurin has played in 19 career games. In those games, McLaurin has played with five quarterbacks and three head coaches. He has dealt with discontinuity and uncertainty throughout his career. Despite this, McLaurin has managed to total 87 receptions for 1,332 yards and 8 touchdowns on 5.3 yards per catch.
In 2020, McLaurin has already totaled 413 receiving yards, the ninth-most in the NFL. McLaurin has been separating from cornerbacks at a high rate in 2020. According to Pro Football Focus, Terry has recorded all 413 of his receiving yards on receptions where he has a step or more of separation. McLaurin has also been a big-play threat, recording 7 receptions of 20+ yards through five games.
Terry McLaurin has been one of the top receivers in the NFL since he entered the league last year. Luckily for the Giants, James Bradberry has been one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL in 2020.
James Bradberry Stats and Highlights
James Bradberry is coming off of another elite performance in Week Five. Bradberry was tasked with shadowing wide receiver Amari Cooper last week. Bradberry held Cooper to one catch for 8 yards and a pass breakup, according to PFF.
Bradberry has been locking up every wide receiver he has faced off against. In single coverage, Bradberry has outperformed every cornerback in the NFL with an elite 91.4 single coverage grade (PFF). His overall coverage grade is the second-highest in the NFL at 87.3.
Bradberry also leads the NFL in pass breakups this year with 9 through five weeks. The Giants’ defense will have its hands full as they attempt to shut down Terry McLaurin. But Giants fans should feel confident heading into this matchup knowing that James Bradberry will be the one to line up against Washington’s young star receiver.