Washington Redskins Week 1 Victory: 4 New Difference Makers This Season

The Washington Redskins opened up their 2011 regular season with a 28-14 victory over their NFC East rivals, the New York Giants.

In that contest, the Redskins displayed the fact that they are a young, hungry team that will be exciting to watch.

New faces have arisen among the usual big names. We knew all along Brian Orakpo was going to be a force in the NFL and Santana Moss continues to be one of the best deep threats in the NFL.

Rex Grossman also showed he is able to keep his cool and be part of a winning team again after some frustrating snaps last season. Tim Hightower proved why he was the prized free agent signing in D.C. this past offseason.

However, what jumps out the most are some new and some not-so-new faces that now look to be difference makers on this year’s team. Let’s take a look at some of these players that will look to play a larger role in Landover this season.

Ryan Kerrigan

The rookie outside linebacker made the biggest play in Sunday’s game, batting an Eli Manning pass into the air, catching it and then rumbling into the end zone to give the ‘Skins a 21-14 lead and the momentum in a tight matchup at that point.

The 16th overall pick from Purdue showed mobility and good reflexes as he made the definitive play in the opening game of the season for Washington.

Sav Rocca

While spaces like these usually are reserved for true playmakers, namely position players, having the ex-Eagle and Australian rules footballer on the roster will make a big difference this season.

Rocca pinned the Giants inside the 20-yard line four times on Sunday, giving the Redskins the punting stability they have needed for a few years.

With his long boot, Rocca will give the Jim Haslett defense the field position it needs to be successful.

Adam Carriker

With 16 starts last season and modest stats, it is safe to say Carriker might have been caught up in the Albert Haynesworth and Mike Shanahan defensive line carousel.

This year, the former St. Louis Ram remains atop the depth chart and is looking to put up more impressive numbers in a more stable environment.

Fred Davis

The USC tight end led the team in receiving yards on Sunday, eclipsing his cohort Chris Cooley who only had 21 yards on two receptions.

Could Davis’ emergence onto the Sunday score sheet possibly give Sexy Rexy yet another target? If he does, Davis will give the Redskins another viable receiver that will make a difference in depth in the long run if this team is to go anywhere this season.

Looking Forward

A strange feeling for a Redskin fan might be the ability to look forward to the next week.

However, after watching the Week 1 game against the Giants, Washington fans should be excited to watch their Week 2 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at 1 p.m.

This year’s bunch looks to be filled with excitement and the ability to make the big plays. If anything, a younger team is always fun to watch as players are always hungry for success and the desire to take that next step.