Key issues facing Giants

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ISSUE: Without Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora, the season is over before it starts.

DISCUSSION: No, but it does mean that the Giants have lost one of the strengths of their defense, which is depth. They are able to overcome the Umenyiora loss by moving Mathias Kiwanuka back to his natural position at defensive end, but they will not be able to withstand another key injury to their front seven. They're starting the season with Plan B, which is dangerous, because like hurricane names, plans have a tendency to run through the alphabet during a football season.

ISSUE: The Giants are a better team without Jeremy Shockey.

DISCUSSION: If by team you mean a group of individuals who come together to achieve a common goal, then yes, the Giants are much better off. But if by better you mean they'll be able to score more points, rush and pass for more yardage, then no. There are ways to sidestep Shockey's absence on the field with different formations and responsibilities, but ultimately Shockey was a more productive tight end than anyone the Giants have there now.

ISSUE: The Giants will suffer through an inevitable Super Bowl hangover.

DISCUSSION: Every team coming off a Super Bowl victory stands up in the summer and says they won't. And then they do. So what makes the Giants think they can avoid the letdown? Probably the fact that despite the rings and the trophies they are still perceived as a fluke champion, an undeserving winner. Teams rarely emerge from the Super Bowl with the chip on their shoulder still intact. The Giants have theirs, and it's a 10-table chip to match their rings.

ISSUE: Eli Manning can't possibly continue playing at the level he set during the playoffs.

DISCUSSION: Hate to point this out, but there will be times during the next 16 games in which Manning looks uncomfortable, makes poor decisions and throws interceptions. Brace yourself. He will not be perfect. But Manning will be much better and more consistent than he was during the 2007 regular season. The confidence capital he accrued in January will help him come out of any swoons faster than he would have a year ago. He's already done the Super Bowl thing; maybe this season he tries the Pro Bowl.

 

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Redskins: 4 Keys To the Game



OFFENSE

-- Jason Campbell vs. Giants Pass Rush

The Giants led the NFL in sacks last year with 47, but they are without Michael Strahan (retirement) and Osi Umenyiora (season-ending knee injury).

In their places are Justin Tuck, who had 10 sacks last year, and Mathias Kiawanuka, who previously played linebacker.

The Giants will try to get pressure with their front four, but they also like to mix in blitzes from defensive backs. Second-year cornerback Aaron Ross proved adept at getting pressure last year.

The Redskins are implementing Jim Zorn?s version of the West Coast offense, with Jason Campbell at the helm. The offense emphasizes the pass, so protecting Campbell is paramount.

Campbell will be helped by three- and four-step drops and quick throws. If he hesitates, like he has in recent preseason games, then he invites trouble.

Clinton Portis, Ladell Betts and Mike Sellers must help pick up blitzers to give Campbell more time in the pocket when necessary.




DEFENSE

-- Redskins Run Defense vs. Brandon Jacobs

Last time the Redskins? first-team defense was on the field, they were getting pounded by Carolina Panthers running backs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart in a 47-3 preseason loss.


The Giants feature a similar running attack, led by 6-4, 264-pound Brandon Jacobs. He rushed for 130 yards on 25 carries against the Redskins in Week 15 last year.

With Jacobs and solid backups Derrick Ward, Ahmad Bradshaw and Reuben Droughns, the Giants had the NFL?s fourth-ranked run offense last year.

Jacobs could look to run to the left and the right, directly at Jason Taylor (if he plays) or Andre Carter who are regarded more as pass-rushing ends than elite run-stoppers.

That?s where London Fletcher needs to step in. Fletcher led the Redskins in tackles last year with 156 and he uses his smarts and mobility to be effective against the run.

If Jacobs gets past Taylor or Carter, Fletcher needs to be next in line to slow him down.




SPECIAL TEAMS

-- Shaun Suisham vs. John Carney

The Redskins and Giants feature top 10 defenses from last year, so Thursday night?s game could come down to field goals. Of course, Giants Stadium is notorious for its occasionally wild winds.

John Carney is a 44-year-old kicker brought in last week for the injured Lawrence Tynes, who has a knee injury.

Carney has 21 years of NFL experience. His last game, as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs last year, he kicked a 40-yard field goal at the Meadowlands against the New York Jets.

On field goals 40 yards or longer, Carney is 16-of-24 since 2005.

Shaun Suisham proved in two games last year that he can kick well at the Meadowlands.

He connected on five field goals, including a game-winner in overtime, against the New York Jets last year. He added three more, including a 50-yarder, in a win over the Giants.

Suisham was 10-of-13 from 40 yards or more last year.




1-ON-1

-- Stephon Heyer vs. Justin Tuck

Justin Tuck replaces the now-retired Michael Strahan, and it appears the drop-off is minimal.

Tuck may not have the veteran savvy that Strahan had, but he still managed to log 58 tackles and 10 sacks last year in his first extended NFL playing time.

Stephon Heyer returns to the Meadowlands where he had his best game as a pro. In Week 15 last year, he shut down Strahan and helped the Redskins compile 191 rushing yards and 400 total yards of offense.

Heyer had a solid preseason and was anointed the starting right tackle by Jim Zorn this week. He replaces veteran Jon Jansen in the lineup.

Pass protection is critical in Zorn?s offense, and Heyer is thought to be better suited for that purpose than Jansen. He?ll have his hands full with Tuck, though.