Giants vs. Redskins: Rex Grossman Will Prove His Team Is an NFC East Contender

Rex Grossman went all out this offseason with his prediction for the 2011 Washington Redskins season. In a conversation with CSN Washington, Grossman declared that the Redskins would win the NFC East,

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We don't need people saying we're the best right now, but when it's all said and done, I really feel like this team's gonna win the East.

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That is quite the lofty prediction for a player that not only has been scrutinized for his play over the years, but for a team that has been bringing up the rear in the NFC East since Joe Gibbs last took the team to the playoffs in the 2007-2008 season.

However, Grossman isn't the only crazy one around here. NFL Newtork analyst Michael Lombardi has jumped on board with Sexy Rexy.

Lombardi has picked the Redskins to win the NFC East, and discussed why he believes in them during Bill Simmons' weekly podcast,

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The Redskins, to me, this summer, have shown me more than any team in the NFC East. I think [Mike] Shanahan was embarrassed last year, I think you could see it in his demeanor this summer. His team looks much more organized. They look effective running the football. They’re not trying to run Clinton Portis and have this old offensive line, which has played much better this year. I like Washington.

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Lombardi is right. Things are different in Washington this time around. There is an aurora of confidence in the air, from the coaching staff to the players, everyone is dedicated to turning this thing around.

Do I think this team will win the NFC East this year? No, but I do think they will be much more competitive than people are giving them credit for.

First and foremost, there is zero chance the Redskins will be worse than they were last year. Can anyone name one player of importance that the team lost from last year? No. Donovan McNabb was not important, sure he is a future Hall of Famer, but he had more turnovers than touchdowns last year, and the team still won six games.

McNabb only threw 14 touchdowns in his 13 starts, while Grossman threw seven touchdowns in three starts.

McNabb's quarterback rating was lower than Grossman's quarterback rating last season, and Grossman went 1-2 during his time as a starter.

Sure you can argue that 1-2 is terrible, but Keiland Williams who is no longer on the team was a big part of the offense, and the offensive line was beat up by then.

The team added Jabar Gaffney who will be a quality possession receiver for the Redskins, and enables the team to use speed receiver Anthony Armstrong in the slot, where he can use his speed to stretch the field.

Tim Hightower and Roy Helu look to lead a revamped running game that should help take the pressure off of Grossman.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Redskins greatly improved with the addition of Barry Cofield and Stephen Bowen. Both players looked extremely well in the preseason, as the line did an excellent job of run stopping and pass rushing.

The team used their first round pick on pass rushing extraordinaire Ryan Kerrigan who led the NCAA in tackles for loss last season. He is adapting to his new role as an outside linebacker quickly, and minus a few offsides penalties, looks like a star in the making.

The team added safety O.J. Atogwe who provides the Redskins with the free safety they have been missing since the unfortunate passing of the late Sean Taylor.

The Redskins also parted ways with Carlos Rogers for Josh Wilson, which proves to be a bigger upgrade than many people think. According to the Twitter account of Pro Football Focus, Wilson was much better than Rogers last season,

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QBs throwing at Carlos Rogers last season had a 95.2 rating. Throwing at Josh Wilson they were just 67.8 - DC upgraded.

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Again, what did the Redskins lose from last season?

The answer is simple, they lost nothing, and added plenty of talent on both sides of the ball.

The Redskins meet the Giants in the opening game of the year, and Grossman and his teammates will prove to the NFL that they can be a serious contender in the NFC East.

The Redskins have not beaten the Giants since the 2007 season, but they are ready to breakthrough in 2011. The Giants are missing Terrell Thomas, Jonathan Goff, and Osi Umenyiora due to injury, all of which are extremely important pieces of the defense. Giants first-round pick Prince Amukamara is also out with an injury.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Giants lost Eli Manning's safety net in Steve Smith, and pass catching tight end Kevin Boss in free agency.

This is a much weaker Giants team than the one that faced the Redskins in Week 17 last year, while this Redskins team is much stronger. That Giants won that game by three points, but that won't happen this time around.

The Redskins are due for a victory against the Giants, and they will get what they deserve in the season opener.