THREE KEYS TO A REDSKINS VICTORY
1. Win the ground battle » That means on both sides of the ball. The Redskins want to throw more than in the past, but they’re not yet ready to do that so they must make sure Clinton Portis has a good game. Defensively, the Giants should test Washington on the edges and up the middle. The Redskins have one legitimate run defender on the line (Cornelius Griffin); that’s not enough. The line must do a better job keeping the linebackers free.
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2. Exploit the linebackers » The Giants are unbelievably ordinary at outside linebacker with Danny Clark on the strong side and Gerris Wilkinson on the weak side. This is a result of Matthias Kiwanuka moving to the line after Osi Umenyiora was hurt. The Redskins need to test these backers early and often, whether on the ground or with Chris Cooley through the air. Cooley should have a big night. But they must be wary of MLB Antonio Pierce.
3. Beware the deep ball » Giants quarterback Eli Manning worked a lot on the deep ball early in camp. What does that mean for this game? Stay tuned. But the Redskins should expect to be tested; the Giants will want to see how much range LaRon Landry has coming off the hamstring injury. The Giants’ offense could be more explosive if Manning starts connecting with preseason star Domenik Hixon downfield.
KEY MATCHUPS
| RT Stephon Heyer | vs. | LE Justin Tuck |
| He replaces Jon Jansen, as he did last season. Heyer’s run blocking has improved, but can he hold up in protection? | He recorded 10 sacks last season, but was helped tremendously by moving inside and having two standout ends alongside him. | |
| CB Shawn Springs | vs. | WR Plaxico Burress |
| He’ll play despite a bruised calf and might not always be on Burress. But he still has the speed and savvy to defend him. | 6-foot-6 WR is a major threat in the red zone; coming off 70-catch, 12-TD season despite a season-long ankle injury. | |
| LB London Fletcher | vs. | RB Brandon Jacobs |
| Look for Giants to send 266-pound FB Madison Hedgecock at the squatty Fletcher. He must be a force against the run. | The bruising power back will test the Redskins early. He rushed for 1,009 yards last year in only 11 games. |
STATE OF THE TEAMS
The Redskins enter with numerous questions, thanks to a new coach (Jim Zorn) and still-unproven quarterback (Jason Campbell). After two bad preseason games in a row, the Redskins insist their confidence isn’t shaken.
New York is a bit miffed these days. The Giants won the Super Bowl and get no love from the national press, who more often than not consider them slightly above average. So the G-men are highly motivated.
THE EXAMINER PREDICTS …
Washington is not ready for prime time. Not yet. The Redskins’ defense will get worn down and the offense will sputter enough to make this a difficult opener.
Giants 23, Redskins 16
