Half-Time Report: Washington Redskins shut out New York Giants in first half

The Washington Redskins have held the New York Giants to a scoreless first half on their way to a 17-0 lead at the break of their NFC East showdown at FedEx Field this evening.

It was an inauspicious start to the match from visiting quarterback Eli Manning, who connected with just one of four passes on his opening drive before seeing his fifth attempt intercepted by Perry Riley Jr.

Things didn't get any better for the Giants on their next drive as Manning once again saw a pass bounce out of his receiver's hands and into the arms of the Redskins, with Will Blackmon picking him off this time.

The Redskins were unable to take advantage of these errors, however, being forced to punt on their opening possession before Dustin Hopkins saw a field goal blocked after they had been gifted the ball back.

The first points did finally arrive early in the second quarter, and it was Hopkins who atoned for his earlier miss with a 41-yard field goal to put the home side ahead.

That lead was extended shortly afterwards when Kirk Cousins threw deep for DeSean Jackson, who collected the ball and completed a 63-yard score for his fifth career touchdown reception against the Giants.

A poor evening only got worse before half time for the Giants as offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz was forced off with a fractured leg, but they were handed a reprieve when Jamison Crowder's four-yard score was reversed on review.

It only served to delay the inevitable, however, and a second Redskins touchdown did arrive moments later when Cousins himself went over from a yard out to put his side 17 ahead at the break.