FAMILIAR FOE

     The Giants take the second step in their 3 week survival mode Sunday at 1:00 against the banged up Redskins at GIANTS Stadium.  The Redskins come in with their 3rd string running back, their starting safety out, and a host of other backups in their starting lineup.  But as we said last week, this is all about the GIANTS.

     The offense that performed so well last week will look pretty much the same.  Steve Smith and David Diehl did some work in practice this week, but seem to be targeting next week in Minnesota as their return date.  Shawn Andrews is still out with a bad back, and might be out for a while.  Look for the progression of players like Kevin Boothe, Wil Beatty, Michael Clayton, and Travis Beckum to be a factor this week.  They all have started to contribute and are growing stronger in their health and understanding of the offense.  Kevin Boss, Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs will still carry the load, but help is on the horizon, and all this playing time builds depth for the final three games.

     The Defense will again be tasked with stopping a mobile QB this week.  The major difference between Jacksonville and Washington however is that the Redskins have no running game.  With Clinton Portis out for the season, and Ryan Torain missing the week of practice, they will have to rely on Keiland Williams, an un-drafted free agent out of LSU.  Look for McNabb to use his tight ends, to throw the quick passes to the backs, and of course use max protection to set up a few throws to the ever pesky Santana Moss.  The GIANTS will know how to pressure McNabb, and he is usually good for a few errant throws during a game, and of course he is known for tiring in the fourth quarter.  Hitting him often, making him make the quick reads, and containing the receivers after the catch will be the keys to this game.

     The GIANTS will need to win Sunday to keep pace within their division, and continue on the road to the showdown with the Eagles.  Right now it looks like December 19th at home will decide the division, but as has been said before, their is a lot of football left, and every game is important.

See you Monday!  Enjoy