Game Review: Redskins VS. Giants

(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Looking back at this game I was very encouraged at what I saw offensively, defensively, and special team wise concerning the Giants in their matchup against the Redskins. Lets first start with the offense and what I saw from last Sunday.

Rush offense: I actually wasn’t that surprise that the offensive line struggle in short line situation when they tried to pick up a yard or two the ground in the their goal line formation. As I mention in a piece I wrote concerning the line, I spoke of how the interior group is not a group with elite strength (for the exception of Chris Snee) that can push defensive lineman off the line scrimmage when they are massive and powerful as well. This is why they always have trouble in these situations where they face defensive lines such as the Eagles (w/ Brodrick Bunkley), Vikings (w/ Kevin Williams & Pat Williams), and especially now with the Redskins (w/ Albert Haynesworth). Brandon Jacobs was only able to manage to get 46 yards on 16 carries, unlike Ahmad Bradshaw who had a much better day with 60 yard on 12 carries. Ahmad's playing style was more effective against the Redskin defense and their slower, but powerful defensive line.

Pass Offense: Even though I already have a lot of confidence in this passing offense (especially Steve Smith), I was pleasantly pleased with what I saw. From the receivers overall I saw quickness, separation, good route running, getting off their jams and making big plays (in relation with what the Redskins were giving up). I was actually a bit surprise with how far the cornerbacks were playing off the receivers and allowing them to get free release. This showed how much respect the Redskins had for the Giants receivers and their speed. There were people who have asked why the Giants didn’t throw down field more and that’s because the Redskins have a safety in LaRon Landry who has a lot of speed, and plays deep center field, making it real hard for receivers to beat the coverage for long passing plays. There were signs of growing pains as well where I counted 3 or 4 drop passes by receivers. Two dropped passes by Hixon (even though it could had been a big passing play if it wasn’t for pass interference), one drop by Nicks (who was wide open in the middle of the field), and another one I believe by Mario Manningham (but I could be wrong). There was also another issue when Manning asked Mario to come in to motion and Mario didn't know what to do, having Eli having to waste a time out in the process. In the end the Giants best receiver on the field and who I believe will emerge with the most yards and receptions will be Steve Smith. He ended the day with 6 catches and 80 yards, making critical plays against a good defense (that definitely didn't look good in this game) and be where he needs to be when Eli throws the ball. On a pass play attended to Smith, Manning's pass was deflected by Landry which lead to an interception. I thought it was all LaRon Landry and his burst of speed that he possessed. To me it didn't look like Eli made a bad decision as much as it was a really good play by a safety. Mario Manningham of course made his fare share of big plays with of course his 30 yard catch and run that went for the touchdown. He ended the day with 3 catches for 58 yards, as well as Kevin Boss and his 3 catches for 62 yards.

Run defense: With the exception for Clinton Portis

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