Enemy Exchange: Washington Redskins Edition
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The other day I had the opportunity to exchange a few questions with Riggo’s Rag, Fansided’s Washington Redskins blog and ask them about Sunday’s matchup with the Giants.
Here is what we discussed:
1) Rex Grossman – what do we need to know about Sexy now that he’s going to be the starting QB in Washington Week 1? What will his performance be like Sunday against the rival NY Giants?
He will have a pedestrian game but will make his money off play action because he will be handing off the ball every other play. He had a decent game, barring his turnovers, in his only appearance versus the Giants last year. He won’t have monster numbers but I see him throwing at least a touch down.
2) Washington’s running game, obviously Ryan Torain owned last year — Hightower this year in preseason. Will the Redskins backfield be in good shape for 2011? What can we expect to see this week?
Nothing like the Giants have seen from the Skins since, Stephen Davis and Skip Hicks from 1999. Power and speed. If Washington will be successful, it will have to be on the ground.
3) This is the second year in a 3-4 scheme, what have you seen in terms of progress adjusting to the changes and what do the Redskins still have to improve upon this year?
Yes, the defensive line has improved significantly, especially with the addition of Barry Cofield at NT. He has embraced the the role and looks comfortable in it. Our secondary is still a concern with Landry questionable and the fact that the Redskins only have 5 CBs on the roster.
4) X-Factor for the Redskins to win Sunday’s debut.
Rex Grossman. He will have show he can be more than a field general if the Skins are to beat the Giants. The Giants have owned the Redskins since 2008, and perhaps even much longer than that. If he plays well, then there other facets of the game are falling into place. If he has to do too much, that means the G-Men were too much.
5) X-Factor for the Giants.
Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw. I have not been too impressed with the Giants offensive line so I will not predict an all out attack through the air, but the Redskins will have their hands tied with your running back tandem.
6) Final prediction and score.
At the risk of sounding homer, I will say Redskins win 21-14. This team has improved vastly in the off-season notwithstanding the QB situation. I am curious to see how the Giants respond as they have had more key players leaver as of late and if Eli can continue to perform at a high level.