bubba9497 Posted September 14, 2004 Share Posted September 14, 2004 Why To Watch In the highly competitive NFC East, every loss is a blow to playoff chances. . . . Joe Gibbs came up a winner in his return to the Redskins by sticking to his old-school playbook. He ran the ball 65 percent of the time, allowing the 'Skins to control the game and starve the Buccaneers' offense. . . . The Redskins can't afford a letdown -- and Gibbs will remind them of that all week. They didn't put the Bucs away, and the result was a six-point win -- too close for Gibbs' liking. . . . The Eli Manning countdown will start if the Giants don't show progress after two games. QB Kurt Warner played well in the opener, but coach Tom Coughlin will turn to Manning as soon as he believes his team is headed nowhere -- and that his flimsy offensive line can protect his prized rookie quarterback. . . . Are the Giants chafing under Coughlin's demanding ways? Three players filed grievances against him Monday after being fined for not being "early enough" to team meetings. To have any semblance of success, Giants brass can't let things get out of hand. Redskins Keys For Success Can't go wrong on third-and-long. It's no secret the Giants' offensive line is their weakness. To exploit it, the Redskins will run blitz and sell out to stop the run on first and second downs. Any time they force Warner into long-yardage situations on second and third downs, OLB LaVar Arrington will be in an all-out rush. Don't let TE Jeremy Shockey roam free. What makes Shockey so valuable is his ability to get behind linebackers and break down zone defenses. OLB Marcus Washington must keep Shockey in front of him and funnel him toward help. If Washington can't do it alone, rookie SS Sean Taylor may be asked to contain Shockey. Wear down Giants' front seven. The Redskins will run all day and let their stable of backs trample the defensive line. RB Clinton Portis and hard-running backups Rock Cartwright and Ladell Betts will pound away to expose the Giants' lack of depth. Giants Keys For Success Get yards on first down. Short-yardage situations on second and third downs allow for more options, and will keep the Giants from bringing an all-out pass rush. Nice idea; now, the Giants must prove their linemen can open holes and their backs can take advantage of the running room. The last thing the Giants want is to let the Redskins tee off on Warner in long-yardage situations. Make QB Mark Brunell beat you. Name your poison -- Brunell or Portis. If the Giants must pick, they would rather contain Portis on first and second downs and make Brunell try to complete third-down passes with DE Michael Strahan in his face. Contain return specialist Chad Morton. Because of Gibbs' run-heavy scheme, the Giants must make Washington start possessions deep in its own territory. Two points here: They must win the field-position battle with their kicking game, and the key to doing that is to lock up Morton immediately or kick away from him. The Bottom Line The Redskins will sustain drives, control the clock and put points on the board. The Giants also will move the ball, but their running game won't be able to sustain drives against Washington's one-gap attacking defensive scheme. Gibbs can relax: His team will steadily build a lead and put this game away in the fourth quarter. By that time, Portis and pals will have more left than the Giants' front seven can muster. Pick: Redskins 30, Giants 16 ************************************************** Key Individual Matchups Redskins CB Fred Smoot vs. Giants WR Amani Toomer With Champ Bailey gone to Denver, Smoot is the team's shutdown cornerback. He's not yet ready for the job. He lacks Bailey's ability but tries to make up for it in confidence. He is fast, can jump and will compete for the ball. Toomer is a savvy veteran with great size, but he is more successful in man-to-man coverage than against a zone. The Redskins will use zone schemes to help Smoot contain Toomer. In man coverage, Toomer will use his height and experience to take advantage of Smoot on the perimeter. Look for the Giants to use motion and audibles to get Toomer one-on-one with Smoot to exploit this matchup. Advantage: Giants. Smoot Scouting Report Strengths: Is fast enough to run with receivers. Has body control to adjust to balls in the air. Can leap and change directions without losing speed. Shows a burst coming out of cuts. Is aggressive, will jump routes and fight for balls. Has confidence and doesn’t allow mistakes to affect him. Weaknesses: Takes chances, is overaggressive and vulnerable to pump fakes. Bottom line: Smoot has the speed, agility and confidence to develop into a shutdown corner, but he hasn’t progressed. His technique is inconsistent, he gives up too many big plays and offers little in run support. Toomer Scouting Report Strengths: Is big and tall and has excellent hands. Has improved as a route runner, has good speed and some vertical skills. Is a hard-working blocker. Weaknesses: Has lost speed. Can gain separation at times but lacks explosive short-area quickness. Doesn’t show a great feel vs. zone coverage; is more productive vs. man coverage on the perimeter. Doesn’t use his size to his maximum advantage and is soft. Bottom line: Toomer is not an elite vertical threat, and he disappears at times. But he’s a good receiver who consistently makes the catch Redskins OLB Marcus Washington vs. Giants TE Jeremy Shockey Shockey has tight end size with wide receiver athleticism. He can catch in traffic, can run after the catch and wins jump balls. This is a challenging matchup for Washington, but don't write him off yet. Although not as well known as running mate Lavar Arrington, Washington is the unsung hero of the Redskins defense. He has a nose for the ball, is a sure tackler and is fast enough to cover tight ends and running backs. While Arrington goes after the quarterback on passing downs, Washington must keep Shockey in front of him. Shockey's bum foot has been a pain for the past year, but he proved against the Eagles that he can fight through it. Washington will need help from SS Sean Taylor. Advantage: Giants. Washington Scouting Report Strengths: Is an explosive playmaker. Has a tremendous first step, stays active. Has quick acceleration with range to make plays from sideline to sideline. Has non-stop motor and takes adequate pursuit angles. Will chase plays down from behind. and force fumbles. Appears comfortable lining up in three-point stance. Can run around most offensive tackles. Has good closing speed. Weaknesses: Has inconsistent technique and lacks instincts. Bottom line: Washington could play inside but is a much better fit outside, where he can use his quickness to avoid blockers Shockey Scouting Report Strengths: Has rare size and speed and reliable hands. Can adjust to poorly thrown passes. Will win most jump balls downfield. Is a fierce competitor. Excels at selling his blocks and does a nice job of keeping linebackers off-balance in play-action. Is good at turning upfield after catches and has the agility to make first defenders miss. Is a powerful runner with quick feet and shows a good understanding of blocking angles. Generally gets into good position and will work to sustain blocks. Is young and has the drive to improve. Weaknesses: Durability is now a concern. Lacks the lower-body strength to move the pile in the running game and will get pushed back at the point of attack when he doesn’t play with leverage. Has had fumbling problems. Bottom line: If healthy, Shockey is an elite tight end with few glaring weaknesses. Redskins WR Rod Gardner vs. Giants FS Brent Alexander Watch this matchup on third downs. Gardner beat out James Thrash and Taylor Jacobs for No. 2 receiver because of his ability to find the window between the linebackers and safeties. Once Brunell gets him the ball, Gardner can make tacklers miss. Alexander made his place in the NFL because of his open-field tackling and smart play, but his speed is a liability. Brunell will use play-action to freeze the linebackers, letting Gardner slide behind them and catch the ball in the middle of the field with plenty of room to run. Alexander then must come up from his deep zone and make a play in the open field. Expect Gardner to have a productive day. Advantage: Redskins. Gardner Scouting Report Strengths: Has size and speed. Explodes off the line and can get behind most defensive backs. Can win most jump balls. Has improved his hands and can make acrobatic catches. Has good upper body and is a physical route runner. Weaknesses: Is inconsistent. Must improve his short/intermediate route-running skills and reduce his drops. Bottom line: Gardner has awesome potential. He can stretch defenses, and could develop into an effective blocker. He should see plenty of single-coverage and could have a breakout year with Mark Brunell around. Alexander Scouting Report Strengths: Rarely makes recognition mistakes, has a lot of experience and won’t give up big plays. Weaknesses: Lacks size and isn’t physical vs. the run. Lacks open-field tackling skills and doesn’t make an impact in run support. Can’t recover from mistakes. Bottom line: When you let Alexander play a center field role, he can be very effective. He is aging but is an OK starter who can contribute solidly on obvious passing downs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirk Diggler Posted September 14, 2004 Share Posted September 14, 2004 Sounds bout right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matador36 Posted September 14, 2004 Share Posted September 14, 2004 Sean Taylor vs Jeremy Shockey Can't wait! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweepea436 Posted September 14, 2004 Share Posted September 14, 2004 This guy makes it sound like we shouldn't even show up. I just hope our guys aren't thinking the same thing. Underestimation can make any team dangerous Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OxonHillSkinsfan Posted September 14, 2004 Share Posted September 14, 2004 That's reassuring. Let's hope we see more of the same from our guys. Hopefully we can contain Toomer and Shockey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TD_washingtonredskins Posted September 14, 2004 Share Posted September 14, 2004 Not to be negative, but I really hope that's the way this one goes. That's what I would envision objectively, but I make myself stay pretty pessimistic sometimes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ECU-ALUM Posted September 14, 2004 Share Posted September 14, 2004 Originally posted by sweepea436 This guy makes it sound like we shouldn't even show up. I just hope our guys aren't thinking the same thing. Underestimation can make any team dangerous I agree there is nothing more dangerous than a wounded animal, and right now the Giants are stinging from the loss at Philly. I am sure though that Coach Gibbs will be reminding everyone not to take this game lightly. :point2sky Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkinsNYC Posted September 14, 2004 Share Posted September 14, 2004 This will be an interesting test to see where the skins are. Harking back to the gibbs team of lore, he would win the tough games on discipline and few mistakes, and absolutely put away teams he should put away early (remember 1991). Lets see where this team is. But one thing for sure, Gibbs won't let them underestimate the enemy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedskinsNation Posted September 14, 2004 Share Posted September 14, 2004 Trap Game Anyone? Well w/all the hype surrounding Week 1 it could be a let down game. And considering who we play in Week 3 the guys could be looking ahead to MNF... Personally Im worried and think the Giants will steal this game from us... Dammm I hope Im wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Art Posted September 14, 2004 Share Posted September 14, 2004 This game just scares the heck out of me. The Giants have good talent at the skill positions at least. They aren't as good as we are overall, but, they just lost a game in which the mistakes they made really played a major part. As someone said a couple of posts ago, this is typically a game where Gibbs would just throttle the opponent that we are better than and which is, itself, going through some turmoil. These are the kind of games Gibbs usually won pretty easily when he was here the first time. How much of Gibbs has rubbed off on this team will be on display Sunday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orlskinsfan Posted September 14, 2004 Share Posted September 14, 2004 Originally posted by RedskinsNation Trap Game Anyone? Personally Im worried and think the Giants will steal this game from us... Dammm I hope Im wrong. If spurrier was still the coach i would be worrying about this but gibbs will treat this game like any other and the players will be ready....:gaintsuck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubba9497 Posted September 14, 2004 Author Share Posted September 14, 2004 Gibbs will have the players thinking the Giants are an 12-4 team.... and they have to be ready for a fight. They will be prepared. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldskool Posted September 14, 2004 Share Posted September 14, 2004 Damn you all sound like you still have Norvitus! We need to put you people in quarantine! :laugh: The Giants don’t scare me as much as they used to. Collins is gone, Shockey is walking wounded, their O line is weak enough that even our D line can take care of them, their CB’s were burned by the Iggles last week, their coach is doing his best Hogan’s Heroes impersonation. We have a vet QB, a top 5 RB, a monster O line, a set of WR that should have a great day. Gibbs will not allow a letdown. If we lose its because we handed this game to the Giants.. 2-0 going into MNF against the Cowgirls will be schweet… Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedskinsNation Posted September 14, 2004 Share Posted September 14, 2004 Originally posted by Oldskool Damn you all sound like you still have Norvitus! We need to put you people in quarantine! :laugh: The Giants don’t scare me as much as they used to. Collins is gone, Shockey is walking wounded, their O line is weak enough that even our D line can take care of them, their CB’s were burned by the Iggles last week, their coach is doing his best Hogan’s Heroes impersonation. We have a vet QB, a top 5 RB, a monster O line, a set of WR that should have a great day. Gibbs will not allow a letdown. If we lose its because we handed this game to the Giants.. 2-0 going into MNF against the Cowgirls will be schweet… Norvitus, Spurrieritus, Schottenheimitus... Ive been negatively reinforced for the last __ years after getting hyped up the week that we face an inferior team and what has ensued. It will take a couple of "Trap Game" wins before my negative visions can be reversed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luckydevil Posted September 14, 2004 Share Posted September 14, 2004 Damn you all sound like you still have Norvitus! Yep, I am very norvous Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldskool Posted September 14, 2004 Share Posted September 14, 2004 Originally posted by luckydevil Yep, I am very norvous Well I refuse to be Norvus any longer Well, at least on offense anyways :doh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GEB Posted September 14, 2004 Share Posted September 14, 2004 To say I'm apprehensive about this match up is an understatement! This Giants team have a lot to prove after last week's debacle and they have matched up well against us in the past. I am refusing to let myself to get too optimistic until after we have consistently won games that we are supposed to win....no let downs! A 3-0 start will probably go a long ways towards alleviating my fears. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chachie Posted September 14, 2004 Share Posted September 14, 2004 Hey, why even PLAY the game? Looks like this writer has it all figured out for us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reaganaut Posted September 14, 2004 Share Posted September 14, 2004 This game just scares the heck out of me. Normally, I'm in this camp but this is Joe Gibbs we are talking about here. There is no way on earth you can get around a crappy offensive line with an inexperienced quarterback as we found out last year. Shockey doesn't look as scary as he used to and Strahan is on an island now. Secondary isn't scaring anyone this year. This is a W for the skins if they fix the turnovers and instant replay idiocy. The Gimps are imploding faster than the Kerry Presidential campaign. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
illone Posted September 14, 2004 Share Posted September 14, 2004 Originally posted by sweepea436 This guy makes it sound like we shouldn't even show up. I just hope our guys aren't thinking the same thing. Underestimation can make any team dangerous Joe won't underestimate anyone, trust. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoCalMike Posted September 14, 2004 Share Posted September 14, 2004 Our recent history with Division foes, is really the only thing that worries me. However, Gibbs is no ordinary coach, and he is not going to let the fortune of a game 1 victory, cloud the Skins mission for Week 2. I think this game preview is pretty much correct. Just don't let the Redskins players read it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terpfan Posted September 14, 2004 Share Posted September 14, 2004 Smoot hasnt progressed? He's useless in run support? He's certainly not a shutdown cornerback yet 9I'm really getting sick of that word) but I find those two statements to be blatantly false. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
China Posted September 14, 2004 Share Posted September 14, 2004 Giants Keys for SuccessGet yards on first down. Short-yardage situations on second and third downs allow for more options, and will keep the Giants from bringing an all-out pass rush. Nice idea; now, the Giants must prove their linemen can open holes and their backs can take advantage of the running room. The last thing the Giants want is to let the Redskins tee off on Warner in long-yardage situations. So the Giants will be blitzing themselves? No wonder they have a hard time on offense.:laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeB Posted September 15, 2004 Share Posted September 15, 2004 If your scared about the Giants it doesn't bode well for the rest of our season. If we can't be this team, how will we beat the Cowboys, Eagles and the rest of the teams on our schedule that are significantly better then they are? C'mon folks. It's okay to be scared or take a "realistic" approach sometimes, but this is the Giants after all, a team that should flat our suck this year. Not saying we can't lose, but to be scared? Please... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fifty Gut Posted September 15, 2004 Share Posted September 15, 2004 30 points in Sunday's game and I'll be a happy man. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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