Approach to the Game – New York Giants at Washington Redskins, November 1, 1998: This is a critical game for the Giants. The team cannot afford to take the Redskins lightly. Yes, Washington is 0-7 and the team seems resigned to the fact that Norv Turner will not be coaching the team in 1999. But there are a few warning signs heading into this one. First, the Redskins are overdue for a win. NFL teams simply do not go winless. Secondly, the Redskin players probably feel that they can beat the Giants. Whether accurate or not, the Redskins do not equate the Giants with teams like the Broncos, Vikings, and 49ers. Since much of the game is mental, this belief will undoubtably help their confidence. These are the type of games that good teams hate to play — because they are fraught with peril. But good teams win the games they are supposed to win.
Giants on Offense: The Giants’ offense was very impressive in their last performance. But one game does not mean a damn thing. If the Giants’ offense is to prove that they have turned the corner, it must do so on a regular basis. The best scenario for the Giants is to march down the field on their first or second drive and put up a quick seven points. Take away any remaining confidence from the other team and get the Redskin fans booing their own team. If the offense can’t put together some impressive drives and the Redskins hang in the game, then the Giants will most likely be involved in a 60-minute dogfight similar to the game the Redskins played against the Eagles a few weeks back.
So how should the Giants attack the Skins? Well, the Redskin run defense has remained porous this year. On top of that, DT Dana Stubblefield will be out with a knee injury. The bad news is that his replacement, Marc Boutte (who is also ailing with a sprained ankle), has historically played well against the Giants. Regardless, we would use the same strategy that the Giants employed against the Cardinals — a steady diet of Gary Brown running behind a big offensive line and FB Charles Way. Obviously much depends on the line. They need to come off the ball as quickly and aggressively as they did against Arizona. Key match-ups will be RG Ron Stone against DT Dan Wilkinson (Wilkinson gave Stone some problems in the opener) and LG Greg Bishop against Boutte. It will be important for the tackles to handle their respective foes.
When the Giants put the ball in the air, I would go after their nickel back Darryl Pounds. Isolating HB Tiki Barber on a linebacker would be good too — IF Tiki can hold onto the ball and show that little extra burst that has so far been missing this year. Aside from Tiki, the other way to attack the linebackers in coverage is to use the tight end. Al Pupunu is supposedly the healthiest he has been all year. Howard Cross played well two weeks ago and was a big factor in against the Skins in the Meadowlands last year. CB Chris Dishman is having a down year, but he can still rise to the occasion. Still, we would take some shots in his direction. This might be a big game for WR Amani Toomer.
Much attention will remain on Danny Kanell, who will be coming off surgery to remove a benign tumor and who is also recovering from a stomach virus. Danny played well against Arizona when he had the benefit of a strong running game. Good quarterbacks play well in a consistent manner. Let’s hope Danny doesn’t revert back to his play against Tampa and Atlanta.
Giants on Defense: These guys need to set the tempo from the get go. They cannot afford to let the Redskins’ offense gain a rhythm or any kind of confidence. No mistakes. Play punishing football and force turnovers. In other words, play Giants football.
The guys who can dominate the game if their minds are right are the defensive line. The Skins’ offensive line has struggled much of the season. If the Giants play inspired football and don’t take anything for granted, this battle could be decisive. LDE Michael Strahan versus RT Shar Pourdanesh and RDE Chad Bratzke versus LT Brad Badger are very important battles. The Giants have to count on Strahan and Bratzke winning these match-ups. Since Washington will try to establish the running game, the play of DT’s Keith Hamilton and Robert Harris will be critical. Most importantly, the entire line (and the linebackers) have to keep QB Trent Green from beating the Giants with his feet. Green is a tough, dangerous scrambler.
Speaking of the linebackers, this will be a big game for them. The Redskins ran at Bratzke and the outside linebackers (Jessie Armstead in particular) in the season opener. Look for the Skins to run left at these two again. I hope MLB Corey Widmer steps it up as he will be a big factor here too. He needs to flow to the ball quickly and watch for the cut back run. The Skins also like to run reverses to WR Leslie Sheppard. When HB Brian Mitchell is in the game, a trick play is always possible (i.e., a halfback pass, the option, etc.). The linebackers must play with discipline and read their keys properly.
When the ball is put up in the air, the Redskins may use their tight ends quite a bit. Look for the Redskins to try to force Widmer to cover Jamie Asher or Stephen Alexander. Marcus Buckley and Scott Galyon need to play well in coverage too. The Skins also feel that Michael Westbrook playing against Phillippi Sparks or Conrad Hamilton is a mismatch. They may be right. Sparks had all kinds of problems with Westbrook in DC last year and Hamilton had a rough outing against both Skins’ receivers in the opening (though he has vastly improved his game). It will be important for FS Tito Wooten to not get suckered by play fakes like he has much of this season.
Giants on Special Teams: Brian Mitchell can do a lot of damage returning kicks and punts. Let’s pray the Giants’ coverage teams are at the top of their game for the entire game. Guys like Shaun Williams, Scott Galyon, Doug Colman, and Brandon Sanders can have an impact here. KR David Patten broke one two weeks ago, but a holding penalty nullified a touchdown. Let’s see if the team can get it right this time. Maybe it’s Amani’s turn!