Warpath Confidential checks in with Big Blue View.com editor Ed Valentine on how the New York Giants view Monday’s game with the Redskins.
1. The Giants look dead. What happened after starting so well?
Basically, the Giants defense has been completely exposed. The Giants started 5-0, and the only team that was able to expose them at all in those games was Dallas. The Redskins were not playing well, and Oakland, Tampa Bay and Kansas City are terrible. The Giants have been shockingly bad on defense. They can’t cover receivers, and even more amazingly they have not been able to rush the passer at all.
2. What’s the one thing you would change about the starting lineup if possible?
Defensively, the Giants have already made a slew of changes the past couple of weeks. I like them, and there really aren’t many more they can make. Maybe more snaps for rookie LB/De Clint Sintim, that’s all. Offensively, I have wanted to see rookie Will Beatty, also a second-round pick, at right tackle for Kareem McKenzie for a while now. That took care of itself because McKenzie is now hurt.
3. Can the Giants devour the Redskins patchwork offensive line?
On paper, you would think so. But, the Giants defensive line hasn’t devoured anybody lately, so I’m not counting on it. Osi Umenyiora is a part-time pass rusher now where he belongs. Justin Tuck is not 100%. The defensive tackles have been terrible. The blitz packages have been easy to read and ineffective.
4. The Redskins are getting big production from tight end once more. How do the Giants counter?
Even without Chris Cooley? That’s a huge problem for the Giants, to be honest. They have had tremendous difficulty covering the tight end. Michael Boley is the linebacker who does that best, and he isn’t a guarantee out there. The safeties, aside from Aaron Ross, are mostly horrific in coverage. I haven’t played quarterback since 8th grade and I think I could complete a few passes to the tight end against this defense.
5. Some say the Redskins are the Giants’ biggest adversary. Is that true?
These days, I don’t think a Giants fan would say so. To me, it’s really whatever teams are fighting at the top of the NFC East. I know at Big Blue View there is utter hatred for the Dallas Cowboys and their fans. Largely the same for the Philadelphia Eagles. I don’t sense the same with the Redskins — but maybe that is only because Washington has not been good lately.
[...] on with our little chat. By the way, my answers to Rick’s questions can be found at Warpath. Ed: The Redskins are playing much better the past few weeks than they did early in the season. Can [...]