NFL Scores Week 1: Final Score, Recap and Analysis of Redskins' Win over Giants

Maybe the Washington Redskins aren’t the worst team in the NFL after all.  They shocked the world, upsetting their division rival the New York Giants in Week 1.  Rex Grossman’s prediction may not be as ludicrous as previously thought (not really, still ludicrous).

Final Score: Washington Redskins 28, New York Giants 14

Game Recap

Eli Manning vs. Rex Grossman.  Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs vs. Tim Hightower.  Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham vs. Santana Moss and Jabar Gaffney.

On paper, the Giants have all the matchups.  They have superior offensive weapons and their killer pass rush should’ve given Grossman nightmares.  That didn’t happen though.

At halftime, the score was tied 14-14 and that score looked like it was too close for comfort for New York.  In the second half, they collapsed.  Eli Manning went just 18-32 on the day throwing for 268 yards and an interception that was returned by Ryan Kerrigan for a touchdown.  Ahmad Bradshaw was slowed down by the Redskins front-seven and Mario Manningham failed to fill the big shoes left by Steve Smith.

Washington owned the second half, doubling their point total while holding the Giants scoreless.

Players That Emerged

Each side had its stars despite the multi-score win.  For the Redskins, Grossman dominated going 21-34 for 305 yards while adding two touchdowns through the air.  His No. 1 target on the night was tight end Fred Davis who had five catches for 105 yards.

New York’s second-year defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul carried over his domination from the preseason as he recorded two sacks and forced a fumble.  Hakeem Nicks was the Giants only other bright spot as the beastly wideout pulled in seven catches for 122 yards.

Injury News

The Giants were without Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora, Prince Amukamara and more on their defense so they were pretty depleted.  There weren’t any major injuries on either side, not that it could get much worse for New York anyway.

What’s Ahead For Washington Redskins

Washington plays the Arizona Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys and St. Louis Rams the next three weeks.  If the same Redskins show up that took out the Giants, the Cardinals should be an easy win. Either way, the Cowboys and Rams will be extremely tough games.  In reality, going 2-2 in their first four games is better than anyone expected the Skins to do anyway.

What’s Ahead For New York Giants

New York will face off against the Rams, Philadelphia Eagles and Cardinals the next three weeks.  They should beat Zona, but unless they show drastic improvement against the Eagles, there’s no way they win in Philadelphia.  Basically, St. Louis is a must-win game unless the Giants want to be stuck in a 1-3 hole.

David Daniels is a Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report and a Syndicated Writer. Follow him on Twitter.