Washington at Giants

September 4 2008 @ 13:37

Washington Redskins at NY Giants (-4)

Just a week or so before the start of the regular season, the NY Giants were stunned with the season-ending injury to Pro Bowl defensive end Osi Umenyiora. In fact, four starters from last year’s winning formation will be missing in action for the opener against the Redskins; joining Umenyiora is newly retired Michael Strahan, safety Gibril Wilson and linebacker Kawika Mitchell. The Giants are accustomed to poor starts; no one considered the Giants Super Bowl contenders after they lost their first two games last season by a combined 80-48. However, the defense allowed only 97.7 rushing yards per game, an average of 3.8 yards per attempt and with Clinton Portis as the Redskins’ primary weapon they remain a one-dimensional offense thus putting the pressure on QB Jason Campbell who has yet showed a skilled game management.

The Giants have been unable to establish a true home-field advantage. The Giants were an abysmal 3-5 last season at Giants Stadium, but Manning’s leadership and self-belief in his ability will be the intangible in this caper. Take the Giants.