Washington Redskins: 5 Reasons Redskins Will Beat the Giants Opening Day

The Washington Redskins began last season with so much promise. A Week One Monday Night triumph over the Dallas Cowboys had Redskins Nation giddy with the Donovan McNabb experiment, despite a sub-par performance.

Oddly enough the game was a defensive battle. The Redskins defense held Dallas’ high-powered offense to just a single touchdown while scoring Washington’s lone TD.

It would not be a precursor of things to come as the Redskins defense quickly faltered and finished the season ranked 31out of 32 teams.

Such is evidence that the first game of the season is far from indicative of how the season unfolds. This year will be no exception. If anything, the parity increases due to a shortened offseason.

There is no doubt that players will still be learning on the job come September 11.  There is a strong chance that the teams we see opening day will not be the same teams we will see in December. 

With that being said, I think it’s about time the Redskins came out of the gate and put a good ol’ fashioned butt whoopin’ on a team that has owned them for much of the past decade if not longer. 

Here are the primary reasons why I think Washington will show the Big Blue Wrecking Crew that these aren’t the same Redskins of years past.

***Authors Note: There was a shortage of photos showing the Redskins performing well against the New York Giants so I was forced to use this one.  I apologize if I have offended anyone.

No. 5 Jabar Gaffney

I love what I saw in preseason from Jabar Gaffney. What I liked most was his consistency and his size. He owned the middle of the field and as sure-handed as they come.

Gaffney truly fills that void of a possession receiver that the Redskins didn't have last year. He is everything that Washington was hoping Malcolm Kelly could be.

Gaffney will be a serious third down threat as well. Last year defenses would key on Chris Cooley on third and five situations. This year the Redskins have added another big-bodied receiver to improve their third down efficiency.

The Giants have had a rough preseason in their secondary. First round pick Prince Amukamura, the highly touted cornerback out of Nebraska will be out for the first six weeks of the season with a foot injury.

In addition, starting cornerback Terrell Thomas tore his ACL in preseason and will miss the season.  Cornerback Brian Witherspoon tore an ACL and will miss 2011 as well. Witherspoon was in the running to be the Giants starting nickel corner.

Look for Mike and Kyle Shanahan to use Gaffney’s size and experience to exploit New York’s depleted secondary.

No 4. Rex Grossman

I am personally a leg...I mean Beck guy, but Rex Grossman should start the season with a lot of confidence. Grossman has the training and experience in the Shanahan offensive system to get the job done. 

Grossman consistently displayed he has the timing down with the starting receivers. The key is consistency and protecting the football.

One thing I am excited about is that I don't have to watch any of Donovan McNabb’s dirt balls this year. 

I know it’s hard to say that Rex Grossman is an upgrade from Donovan McNabb, but the fact is that in Mike and Kyle Shanahan’s offense, he is.

No. 3 Tim Hightower

As long as Tim Hightower can hang onto the football (he showed us he could throughout preseason) he is a strong threat to break one at any time.

The Redskins have lacked that explosive runner out of the backfield for some time and Tim Hightower can be a head-turner. He’s a change of pace back that will keep the Giants on their heels.

A few nagging injuries along the defensive front could affect the Giants as well. Justin Tuck and Mathias Kiwanuka will play for New York, but both were hurt in the preseason. Defensive end Osi Umenyiora will be out also, although he is more of a pass rusher than a run stopper.

The quicker the Redskins can get the run game going, the easier it will be for Rex Grossman to settle down and get comfortable. Tim Hightower could open 2011 with a big game.

No. 2 Home Field Advantage

In 2008, the Redskins season opener was against the Giants in New York. They suffered a 16-7 defeat.  The next year, in 2009, Washington again opened their season with the Giants playing in New York and again suffered defeat 23-17. In 2010, the first game against the Giants was once again played in New York as the Giants doled out a 31-7 beat-down.

Finally, for the first time in four years, the Redskins get to play the Giants at home first. 

As Washington surprised a lot of people last year by winning their home opener against division rival Dallas, they will do so again in 2011 against the New York Giants. There is no doubt with how the New York Giants have owned them in years past, that their confidence going into Week Two will be sky-high.

No. 1 Barry Cofield

Not only is Barry Cofield a significant upgrade from Maake Kemoeatu, but he also provides a wealth of knowledge from converting to Burgundy and Gold from Big Blue.

Coaches and players are no doubt having meetings with Cofield, discussing his former team’s tendencies, jargon and weaknesses. He is Washington’s true Insider when it comes to the Giants.

Let’s not downplay what Cofield brings on the field. As the centerpiece of the defensive line, his ability to sniff out run plays and occupy space will help the Redskins put an end to the seemingly endless stampede coming out of the Giants’ backfield they’ve become so accustomed to.

The Giants had a difficult off season by losing wide receiver Steve Smith, starting tight end Kevin Boss and starting offensive lineman Shaun O’Hara and Rich Seubert.  While the Giants have lost quality starters on offense, the Redskins have gained quality starters on defense.  

New York Giants' Head Coach Tom Coughlin has his work cut out for him because on paper, the Redskins appear to be the better team.