The Redskin Report

The Washington Redskins and New York Giants are fairly similar squads. They are decent teams who for the most part are pretty even. So why are the Giants sitting pretty with a 9-4 record while the Redskins are battling for their playoff lives this week?

The Giants have that one dominate unit that the Redskins lack. The Giants pass rush is the best in the league, while the Redskins are best in the league at ummmm… maybe kickoff coverage? That’s the difference between these two teams and containing that pass rush is the key to the Redskins chances of victory this week.

Everyone knows that Todd Collins has started a game in a while, a very long while. Heck, the last game he started was in week 16 of the 1997 season, that week the Redskins started Jeff Hostetler at QB, so yeah, it’s been a while. Who knows how he will react if he’s being harassed all game long by the Giants pass rush.

The Redskins offensive line play has been sporadic at best. Jason Campbell spent the last few weeks constantly dragging himself off the ground, while the run game has been terrible of late. Even on Collins 1st pass attempt, the Bears got to Collins and stripped the ball. On a more positive note, the line did play much better in the 2nd half of last week’s game. Collins had time to throw which helped him put up his heady numbers in his 1st action in years.

The Giants lead the NFL with 47 sacks this year, which is six clear of anyone else in the league. They have five players with more than 4 sacks: Umenyiora (12.0), Strahan (9.0), Tuck (9.0), Kiwanuka (4.5) and Robbins (4.5), so the pressure can come from all angles.

The Redskins offensive line is still in flux, the status of Todd Wade and Randy Thomas is uncertain for the game. If they can’t go, the Redskins will be down to a 2nd string guard and a 3rd string tackle on the right side which will have to deal with Strahan. Needless to say, the Giants will probably look to attack this side of the line with blitzes while Umenyiora will match-up with Chris Samuels one on one for the most part.

This is a week where Joe Bugel has to earn his pay. Todd Collins is going to be facing a defense that has been preparing for him for the first time in 10 years. If the Redskins offensive line can’t get him the time necessary to make his reads and find the open receiver against the suspect Giant secondary, both Collins and the Redskins playoff hopes will be down and out.