Scouting the Giants
…Eli Manning will be tested. Manning is the highest paid player in the league, which is a silly notion, but that’s how it goes in the NFL. If he’s being paid that much, then he needs to improve. Manning has completed more than 60 percent of his passes just once in his career. And it’s not as if he’s always throwing downfield. Of the 28 quarterbacks who attempted at least 300 passes, Manning’s 6.8 yards per pass attempt last season ranked 20th. He lost his security blanket (Amani Toomer) and his huge downfield threat (Plaxico Burress).
… The Giants have no proven receivers. Steve Smith caught 57 passes last year, mostly in the slot. Now he’s moving outside and will face better defenders. Mario Manningham is a deep threat, but he caught just four passes in seven games as a rookie in 2008. Hakeem Nicks showed promise this summer, but he’s a rookie. It’ll take him time. And fourth-year Domenik Hixon is coming off a 43-catch season and will start. One to watch, at least in the red zone, is 6-foot-6 rookie Ramses Barden. The group might have potential, but nobody has excelled yet in their current role. The other problem: the reserves looked much better than the starters this preseason, say those close to the team.
… Both lines are solid. Most of the attention centers around the defensive line, but the offensive line also has done an excellent job. It’s a group that relies as much on smarts and blue-collar attitude as athletic ability; in other words, a typical Giants line. Two made the Pro Bowl last season: right guard Chris Snee and center Shaun O’Hara. Obviously, we know the Giants will double team Albert Haynesworth. Left guard Rich Seubert can not handle him one on one; though he’s about 310 pounds the Redskins say he’s too light to do such a task.
… The back seven on defense is a question mark. There’s more talent in the secondary – safety Kenny Phillips is a rising star, Giants observers say — and with a fierce pass rush they should flourish. But the linebackers are suspect, aside from middle linebacker Antonio Pierce. He’s still solid. But the outside linebackers could be an issue, especially on the weakside where starter Michael Boley is suspended for this game. The Redskins know they have holes to attack — if they protect Jason Cambpell.
