Keys to the game 1
Capitalize on injuries » One Pro Bowl end is out (Osi Umenyiora) and another might be out (Justin Tuck). New York still has talent on defense, especially up front. But losing these two is tough to overcome; both play the run well too. The Redskins stretch zone runs will test the depth of the line. The more they can get the Giants moving laterally, and cutting them, the more tired the front four will be.
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2
Win the ground game » The running game, and turnovers, has separated these teams the past five years. The Redskins still must limit New York on the ground. Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs have run well vs. them and the line, though revamped, could be effective. The Redskins’ offense, meanwhile, won’t function well if they don’t run the ball. With a suspect back seven, the Redskins could be in position for long gains.
3
Attack downfield » New York’s linebackers haven’t been good for a few years and the secondary is banged up. With an inexperienced middle linebacker (most likely rookie Greg Jones), the play-action should work well. But if the Giants can’t pressure, then quarterback Rex Grossman has a chance for big plays downfield against backup corners pressed into starting roles because of injuries. Both are veterans — Corey Webster and Aaron Ross. Neither was supposed to start this season.
Matchups to watch
LB Brian Orakpo
Orakpo has 19 ? sacks combined his first two seasons. He’s had his best summer. Sit back and enjoy.
vs.
LT Will Beatty
He’s athletic, which will help him. But he’s been dogged for inconsistency, which won’t.
NT Barry Cofield
Any success stopping the run starts up front with the ex-Giant.
vs.
C David Baas
A free agent pickup from San Francisco, he’s played well this summer.
LG Kory Lichtensteiger
He’ll face the Giants’ best remaining linemen if both ends are out.
vs.
DT Chris Canty
He’s a powerful inside player. He can disrupt the stretch plays with any penetration.
Expert says
“The Redskins have to establish the run. You want Rex in third and four to six instead of third and seven to 10.[Giants defensive coordinator] Perry Fewell is a bigger pressure coach than you would imagine. So in a third and four-to-six, if they bring pressure you can throw slants or inside breaking routes. Third and long, you have to block longer and give him time to throw downfield. That makes for bad football.”
– Former Redskins safety Matt Bowen, now an analyst for the National Football Post.
Examiner predicts
Predicting openers is always tough, especially when a team has undergone as much change as Washington. But New York’s critical injuries make the difference.
Redskins 21, Giants 20
