ESPN NFL

Originally Published: September 4, 2008

Cause for concern in Washington

Gary Horton looked at the film and knows what you should pay attention to during the Redskins-Giants season opener.

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By Gary Horton
Scouts Inc.
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This year's season opener features the Super Bowl champion Giants hosting the Redskins. Scouts Inc. tells you what to watch for in this divisional rivalry game.

Ordinarily you don't put a lot of stock in how a team plays during the preseason, but the Redskins have played so poorly during the past two weeks that it should be a cause for concern. In fact, they were outscored 71-6 during their past two outings, and head coach Jim Zorn played his starters longer than usual just to try to get something good established heading into the regular season. This team hasn't looked crisp and definitely isn't peaking at the right time. There are two areas we are particularly concerned about:

Porous run defense
During the final two games of the preseason Washington allowed the Panthers and Jaguars to rush for 334 yards combined. Not only is that statistic staggering, but it was the way the Redskins played that bothers us. They didn't tackle or fly to the ball well, and they simply weren't physical enough, which doesn't bode well heading into Week 1. The Giants are going to pound the football in order to set up the pass and if the Redskins can't stop RBs Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw, it is going to be a long night for their defense.

Campbell's protection
Washington's offensive line also played poorly during the final two weeks of the preseason, especially in pass protection. The Redskins allowed nine sacks combined versus Carolina and Jacksonville. Granted, there were different players on the line throughout the games, but this is not a good sign. Even though the Giants' defensive line is banged up, they are still going to come after QB Jason Campbell. Look for Giants DE Justin Tuck to cause problems for the Redskins' offensive line with his explosive first step.

Filling some big shoes
The biggest concern about the Giants is how their defense will handle losing DE Osi Umenyiora for the season after DE Michael Strahan retired. That means 22 of the team's league-leading 53 sacks from last year are missing. However, when you break down the film, New York should feel good about Mathias Kiwanuka and Tuck stepping in because both have the potential to attain double-digit sacks -- providing they can stay healthy.

Kiwanuka is very athletic, quick off the edge and plays well in space. However, having him play defensive end weakens the Giants' linebacking corps. Tuck finished last season with 10 sacks, but he benefited from Umenyiora and Strahan being double-teamed, so it remains to be seen how he is going to handle being the focal point on defense. He is going to line up in Strahan's spot on the left side and put pressure on Campbell. He plays aggressively, but under control. He is also an adequate run-stopper, but he is vulnerable to the power outside running game -- which is how the Redskins will attack with RB Clinton Portis.

Going vertical
It is clear that QB Eli Manning has taken over this team. The confidence and calmness he exudes permeate throughout his teammates. During the preseason he has made all his throws and has been reading defenses better. One particular area he has improved on is his vertical passing game -- which is something that should be on display versus the Redskins. The Giants are still a run-first team, but coaches have really worked with Manning to throw the fade route more. As a result, we expect to see Manning test the Redskins' secondary early in this game, especially toward WR Plaxico Burress' side of the field.

Gary Horton, a pro scout for Scouts Inc., has been a football talent evaluator for more than 30 years. He spent 10 years in the NFL and 10 years at the college level before launching a private scouting firm called "The War Room."