Giants Smother the Redskins 23-17

The New York Giants answered all the questions that they had been facing all off-season with their win over the Washington Redskins on Sunday afternoon. The Giants showed that their pass rush has truly gotten stronger and that the Steve Spagnuolo to Bill Sheridan transition has been a smooth one. The Giants offense answered by proving they can move the ball through the air. The Redskins loaded up forcing the Giants to throw and Eli was able to deliver to, Steve Smith, Domenik Hixon, Mario Manningham and Kevin Boss. Overall it was a very successful week for the New York Giants as they get a win in week 1. Here is my breakdown of the game...

Good

• Giants receiving core - Steve Smith stood out as Eli's go to guy with 6 catches for 80 yards. Mario Manningham, Domenik Hixon and Kevin Boss all did a great job contributing. The one great thing about not having Burress and Toomer, is that it seems opponents don't know who Eli will throw to.
• Pass Rush - It hasn't missed a beat and if anything looks even stronger then it has been in the past three seasons. Which is really scary for opposing teams.
• Defensive Backs - They sure didn't look like they missed Dockery or Ross. Bruce Johnson played very well for an undrafted rookie. Webster is one of the top corners in this league. He showed it by shutting down Santana Moss with no help. Terrell Thomas, like I have said before can come in and start and do a great job. Overall the whole defense did great from the starters to the back ups.
• Running Game - The Giants reached only 106 yards total rushing but they did break the 100 yard mark and came out and produced some key runs to propel the offense. Overall the Skins did all they could to contain the run game and dare Eli to pass. In the end Eli proved they could lean on the passing game.

Bad

• Red Zone Offense - The run game struggled to capitalize on the short yardage downs and offense in general couldn't punch the ball in, in the red zone. The Giants probably left 14 points on the field by not being able to score in the red zone. This is something im most certain Tom Couhglin will address as the team goes to Dallas next Sunday night.

Ugly

• Redskins Offense - Sorry, but all that money the Skin's wasted on defense was a true waste, because even if you can stop a team or stay in a game. Who is going to score the points and how? Portis, and Moss were shut down. And Campbell could not settle down and be comfortable with the Giants pass rush breathing down his neck.
• Laron Landry - Looked like he was really trying to make up for last years beat down he took. He hit Jacobs out of bounds and then whiffed on Kevin Boss's 27 yard catch and run.
• Albert Haynseworth - He is a big blob that can slow a running game down. But it is sad when your 100 million dollar investment is lying on the field from being out of shape.

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