A look at the Redskins opponent in Thursday’s opener:
1. Eli Manning is growing up. Giants sources say Manning has looked sharp all summer and has clearly grown since the last time Washington faced him in December. He’s more accurate, consistent and patient. Manning worked a lot on the deep ball early in camp.
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2. Losing Mathias Kiwanuka as a linebacker hurts New York more than losing Osi Umenyiora as an end. Kiwanuka can fill Umenyiora’s spot at right end. Here’s something to consider: of Umenyiora’s 13 sacks last year, six came in one game vs. an overmatched rookie. With Kiwanuka at end, the Giants now are weak at outside linebacker.
3. New York will miss Jeremy Shockey. But it’s not just for his pass-catching skills, which were very good. Rather, it’s for his run blocking. The Giants do not have anyone else with all-around skills. When their run-blocking tight ends are in the game, it’s obvious what they will do. And Kevin Boss is a pass-catcher only.
Redskins notes
» Defensive end Jason Taylor was limited in practice, but that was an improvement over Monday when he couldn’t go at all. Taylor wore a brace, which he occasionally had to fiddle with on the sideline to make sure it was properly adjusted.
“There’s more hope, but it’s still 50-50 whether he plays or not,” Redskins coach Jim Zorn said. “He wants to be full speed, but he’s not 50 percent yet from what I saw today.”
He remains a game-time decision.
» Corner Shawn Springs did not practice today because of a bruised calf. X-rays were negative, but Springs left Redskins Park with a black wrap on his left leg and slightly limping.
Receiver Malcolm Kelly (knee) and Kareem Moore (hamstring) did not practice. Neither is expected to play Thursday.
For New York, the only player of note who was limited in practice was receiver Domenik Hixon (back).
