NFL Preview: Redskins at Giants

Well it's the first 'live' game of the year. The Redskins travel to the Meadowlands to take on the New York Football Giants. The Redskins are coming off of a year where they lost a star player but ended up rallying late in the season to make the playoffs. The Giants had an up and down year, but at the end of the year their QB play and defense got on a roll that allowed them to win the Superbowl against the 'best' team in the NFL, the New England Patriots.

This matchup tonight will feature two different teams hoping to rebound from some difficult situations and start off 2008 with a bang. The Giants are coming in with a decimated front line after losing Michael Strahan (to retirement), Osi Umenyioura (to injury), and moving the rest of the guys around to adjust. Justin Tuck will get an opportunity to show that he can play on the line (switching from LB to DE) and I think he'll be the key to the game for the Giants on the defensive side of the ball. Tuck is a man, in the mold of Strahan, not too bulky, but he's huge. He can run and has a nose for the ball. In short, he's a monster. On offense the Giants will be led by Eli Manning (I'm really not a fan; that throw to Tyree last year in the Superbowl was luck) and a good ground game with Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw. That's Thunder and Lighting for you right there. Add the height of Plaxico Burress and the Giants have the advantages across the board.
The Redskins come to town with an inexperienced (in this system) QB, Jason Campbell, but a good ground game with Clinton 'If Healthy' Portis. They have some good WRs that can stretch the field and Chris Cooley to do everything else underneath. On the defensive side of the ball, they have an injured Jason Taylor (gametime decision), but that's about it. Andre Carter and Cornelius Griffin should help with the push up the middle which should make Manning throw the ball up for grabs a few times. The Redskins running game is key for them to win tonight.

Who ya got?

Well, I gotta go with the Giants, but a lot closer game than I think most people predicted. 24-21 Giants. It should be exciting, and if it isn't we just have to wait until Sunday.