NFL Week 1: 8 Things We've Learned After Sunday's Giants vs. Redskins Game

The Washington Redskins wrapped up an impressive 28-14 win over the division rivals New York Giants yesterday.

The crunch NFC East matchup offered a revealing insight into the strengths and weaknesses of each team and how well they may fare in keeping up with the division-pace-setter Philadelphia Eagles.

Here are four things yesterday's game taught us about each team, beginning with the Redskins.

8. The Redskins Can Count on a Strong Defensive Line Rotation

When second-round draft choice Jarvis Jenkins went down with a season-ending injury, many worried about the strength of the Redskins' defensive line rotation.

Those fears were assuaged yesterday as Washington linemen provided the basis for a swarming defensive effort.

New recruits Barry Cofield and Stephen Bowen were aggressive and quick off the ball, with Bowen registering a sack and making some impressive stops in the running game.

Incumbent Adam Carriker notched a sack late in the game and continued the improvements he has made since moving to a 5-technique defensive end in the Redskins' 3-4 scheme.

The most pleasant surprise, however, was seventh-round pick Chris Neild.  The backup nose tackle split time with Cofield, and his tenacity and power at the point of attack were very impressive.

Neild collected his first two career sacks and gained consistent penetration.  On this evidence, the Redskins may have nabbed a steal back in April's draft.

If the members of the line rotation can continue in the same vein, then the Washington defense will dramatically improve upon its 2010 31st overall ranking.

7. Trent Williams Must Improve

2010's fourth overall pick continues to be plagued by inconsistency and lapses in concentration.  Trent Williams simply has to get better if the Redskins offense is going to be able to consistently flourish.

Williams was routinely beaten by Big Blue rush end Jason Pierre-Paul.  Most concerning is the fact that the former Oklahoma standout was regularly overpowered at the point of attack.

Williams must improve the speed and timing of his takeoff, as well as his footwork.  With DeMarcus Ware and Trent Cole still to face, Williams has a lot of work to do.

6. Ryan Kerrigan Will Be an Impact Player in the 3-4

Top draft pick Ryan Kerrigan took only one regular season game to show Redskins fans he can be a dangerous playmaker in Jim Haslett's system.

The former Purdue defensive end seems to have adapted quickly to the responsibilities of a 3-4 outside linebacker.

Kerrigan is a threat when rushing from the edge and his strength, hustle and closing speed make him a stout force against the run.  His athleticism and nose for the ball contributed to the most decisive play during yesterday's contest.

When the Redskins blitzed out of a look resembling the 46 Bear front, Kerrigan tipped Eli Manning's errant throw into the air, then caught the ball and returned his spectacular theft for the points.

5. Fred Davis Could Be Ready to Produce the Numbers to Match His Talent

Dynamic yet inconsistent tight end Fred Davis finally appears poised for a breakout season.  He has frustrated many in the past for not displaying a work ethic to compliment his natural ability.

However, things may be about to turn for Davis—who could become the most potent weapon in the Redskins' offense.

Davis appears leaner and faster in 2011, and Kyle Shanahan is designing plays to take advantage of his expansive skill set.

Davis frequently exposed the folly off the Giants' rigid loyalty to cover-2 concepts and stretched the seams and worked the sidelines to great effect.

On this evidence, Davis will get plenty of opportunities to position himself for Pro Bowl consideration this season.

4. The Giants Offensive Line Needs Work

The Giants front five struggled to repel a ferocious Washington front seven for much of the afternoon.  New York blockers were regularly overpowered in one-on-one matchups and gave the skill players no chance to build on some promising early momentum.

The line's interior seemed to struggle the most, and recently signed David Baas found it difficult to hold the group together.  Guards Chris Snee and David Diehl couldn't cope with the Redskins strength and tenacity inside.

The G-Men must rectify this problem before next Monday's encounter with the St. Louis Rams and the fire zone schemes of Steve Spagnuolo.

3. The Giants Should Lean More on Their Running Game

The Giants fondness for a power rushing attack is a franchise trademark.  In recent seasons, however, the team seems more intent on establishing its credentials as a high-octane, passing offense.

At crucial times during yesterday's defeat, Big Blue chose to abandon the ground game and air it out.  In doing so, the New Yorkers played right into the hands of the Redskins blitz packages.

Giants runners looked powerful and elusive when given the ball.  Ahmad Bradshaw was particularly impressive, but there remains a puzzling tendency to only go to the ground game in fits and starts.

As talented as the Giants young receivers are, given the problems in pass protection and Eli Manning's track record in turning over the ball, a greater emphasis should be placed on the formidable New York running game.

2. Perry Fewell Will Have to Create More Ways to Get Pressure

With Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck out of the lineup, the Giants failed to generate consistent pressure with their front four alone.

Perry Fewell designed some effective blitz packages which led to some second half takedowns of Rex Grossman—but the Redskins signal caller was not harassed in the pocket regularly enough.

In its base defense, Big Blue couldn't muster enough of a rush to disrupt the timing and rhythm essential to Washington's passing game.

Fewell will need to manufacture increasingly elaborate ways to free rushers to get to the quarterback, or the suspect New York secondary will frequently be exposed.

1. Jason Pierre-Paul Is Poised for an Excellent Sophomore Campaign

The only member of the makeshift Giants front four who looked dangerous on the pass rush was second-year pro Jason Pierre-Paul.

The ultra athletic youngster used his range, first-step quickness and closing speed to terrorize the left side of Washington's offensive line.

Pierre-Paul's speed enables him to generate tremendous power at the point of attack, and the Giants must find more ways to take advantage of his dynamic skill set.

Increasing the number of stunts and twists involving the former South Florida prodigy could lead to double digit sacks and help to quickly restore the potency of Big Blue's front four.

Both teams showed enough to warrant consideration as legitimate contenders in the tough NFC East.  The health of the Giants means they naturally have more work to do, but a talented nucleus is still available and some subtle tweaking to the play calling on both sides of the ball, should see them soon return to form.

The Redskins will need to continue to show improvement on defense and in the passing game.  Yesterday's victory is a positive first step and the pieces are in place for the team to spring some real surprises this season.