Like facing a new pitcher recently called up from the minors, opposing teams' scouting reports on Redskins running back Roy Helu have some blank pages.
The Giants will get their first real look at the fourth-rounder out of Nebraska on Sunday as they try to prevent becoming the fourth-straight defense he's rushed for 100 yards against. Since taking over the starting role in Week 12 against Seattle, Helu has hit the plateau in each of the last three weeks, setting a franchise record for rookies along the way.
Former teammate Prince Amukamara saw it coming.
"I think right now he definitely brings a spark, just hope for the future," said Amukamara, who termed the two "best friends" in college. "I knew Roy was going to do his thing. I knew he was going to beast as soon as he got in, but let's hope he doesn't do it against us."
Despite averaging more than 110 yards (145 including receiving) in that stretch, the Redskins remain 31st in the league in rushing, which shows how dire things had become in Washington. The 5-11, 219-pound Helu,who has 582 yards and two touchdowns on 124 attempts, comes a week after the Giants prepared for another breakout rookie, Dallas' DeMarco Murray.
Helu is known for his one-cut-and-go and recently added to his hurdling repertoire against Seattle, leaping over cornerback Roy Lewis and breaking safety Kam Chancellor’s tackle for a 28-yard touchdown. [
"I](http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-cant-miss-plays/09000d5d82484b93/WK-12-Can-t-Miss-play-Hip-hop-Helu"I) think our line has to take care of that and just tackle well," Amukamara said. "Webby [Corey Webster] and [Aaron] Ross always say that the great teams tackle well in November and December. So we've just got to be great tacklers…Roy's a strong runner, physical. The more carries he gets, the stronger he gets. He's a smart and patient runner too."
Helu is also playing a major role in the passing game. He is third on the team with 44 catches for 315 yards (7.2 AVG) and once hauled in 14 passes for 105 yards in Week Nine against the 49ers.
Mathias Kiwanuka acknowledged his cutting ability and said he has a good awareness of where everyone is on the field at all times. The veteran with 72 tackles on the season was asked if his defense has a complete game to show during the final playoff push.
"We have plenty of them," he said. "When we get everybody on the same page, when we get everybody playing as hard they can play, it's impressive to watch. We've just got to be able to maintain that and duplicate it. We haven't done that so far, I don't think. I don't think we've reached our full potential yet, but it's close and it's going to happen."
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