The phrase is punctuated by three words, an addition to whatever statement is made about the offense. The Redskins can be a good offense. They can have an improved passing game. They can repeat their success on the ground.
If, comes the addition, they …
Recommended Stories
Protect Jason Campbell.
The first offensive line did just that in the preseason, allowing no sacks. But Sunday offers a different test: The Giants ranked fifth in the NFL in sacks per pass attempt last season, recording 42 overall. That came without their best pass rusher in end Osi Umenyiora, who missed the season with a knee injury.
But Umenyiora is healthy and the Giants added two free agents in the offseason, Rocky Bernard and Chris Canty, who could start for many defenses. And have.
“Even before them they had an awesome defensive line,” Redskins running back Clinton Portis said.
Last year on their first snap of the season, also at the New York Giants, right tackle Stephon Heyer was beaten easily; Campbell held the ball too long and was sacked.
But the Redskins insist their line is much improved over last year. Heyer is a year older and stronger; Derrick Dockery replaced effective, but creaky-kneed Pete Kendall. The other three — left tackle Chris Samuels, center Casey Rabach and right guard Randy Thomas — are established.
That’s the optimistic view that greets the start of every season.
“This is a great way to start off and see where you are,” Rabach said.
“We just have to be stout where it’s them or anyone else,” Heyer said. “We have to protect Jason and make some plays.”
The trouble with New York’s line is that they can put three defensive ends with quickness on the field in pass rush situations, with Justin Tuck (12 sacks in 2008) and Mathias Kiwanuka (eight sacks) joining Umenyiora.
In the past couple seasons under coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, now the St. Louis head coach, the Giants also blitzed often. It’s uncertain what to expect from new coordinator Bill Sheridan. Some say he’ll blitz the same; others aren’t sure.
“In past situations they’d have four ends in there,” Rabach said. “Sometimes they’re standing up at linebacker level. It got confusing at times. This year they seem to be more vanilla, trying to win one-on-one matchups.”
Said Campbell, “The first quarter will give us an idea where we’re at and where we need to go.”
The Giants can be exploited in the back seven — if Campbell has time to throw. Of course, a consistent running game from the start would be the biggest plus.
“We know who to block,” Rabach said. “We just have to do it.”
