Redskins’ CB vs Giants’ WRs

Common sense says today’s 4:15 game between the New York Giants and Washington Redskins will largely boil down to how each team handles the other team’s running game.  Both teams are likely to play 8 in the box.  The Giants’ tandem of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw features power and speed behind a veteran offensive line that averages 6′ 4″, 315 lbs.  Perhaps their line’s greatest asset is the fact they’ve played together for several years.  They know each others’ tendencies, which is very helpful when adjusting to defensive stunts and blitzes.

Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts will also run behind a veteran line.  The Skins’ offensive line averages 6 ‘ 5″, 314.5 lbs.  It has been more injury-prone than has the Giants’ line, and has only played together as a unit during the preseason.   Both O-lines are healthy; the Skins are healthier overall than the Giants.

Even if this game is defined in the eyes of most by both teams’ ability to run and to stop the run, the Redskins’ ability to mute the Giants’ downfield passing game could be the real difference maker.  If the Giants can occasionally hit their flankers and split ends, they’ll force the Skins’ cornerbacks to play off the line and provide less run support when playing man coverage.  That could be especially beneficial when Bradshaw runs outside the tackles, which he will do.  Another benefit would be allowing Eli Manning to release the ball quickly, which he tends to do anyway.  Conversely, when he wants to go downfield, making him work through his progression to his 3rd or 4th option will give the Redskins’ defense its best opportunity to plant him on the turf.

If the Redskins can protect Jason Campbell and average at least 3 years per run, their receivers could beat the Giants’ cornerbacks.  Aaron Ross, one of their starters, is out with an injury.  Kevin Dockery, Ross’s replacement, will play with a tender hamstring after not playing during the preseason.  The Giants will have to get to Campbell repeatedly to keep Moss, Randle El, and Kelly from ripping off enough long gains to force New York to go to their dime and nickel packages earlier than planned.

The Redskins don’t have any injuries in their defensive backfield, so the question is how will their cornerbacks match up athletically against the Giants’ wide receivers? The only way to answer that question is to watch the game.  Nonetheless, here is the tale of the tape ….

Domenik Hixon vs. DeAngelo Hall

Hixon: in his 3rd year – returns kicks and punts, 6′ 2″, 4.45 40, quick off the line and when making cuts, avg. 13.7 yds-per-catch, not a great downfield blocker

Hall: in his 8th year – 5′ 10″, 4.37 40, 22 career interceptions.

Steve Smith vs. Carlos Rogers

Smith: in his 3rd year – 5′ 11″, 4.44 40, avg. 9.8 yds-per-catch

Rogers: in his 4th year – 6′, 4.46 40, 6 career interceptions, historically has had poor hands, but has reportedly improved.

Mario Manningham vs. Fred Smoot

Manningham: in his 2nd year – 5′ 11″, 4.43 40, avg. 6.5 yds-per-catch, good leaper – will go up and get the ball

Smoot: in his 9th year –  5′ 11″, 4.45 40, 21 career interceptions, has said in the past that he ran a 4.37 40.