Redskins vs Giants: Gameplan Revisited

Congrats to the Washington Redskins for completing a season sweep of the New York Giants. The Redskins were finally able to put it all together and defeated the Giants 23-10 in East Rutherford this afternoon. The Redskins did a lot of things right. Let's see how they fared with today's gameplan.

"If Roy Helu Jr and Rex Grossman (left) can repeat their performances that they had against the Patriots, the Redskins will have a great chance at being successful."

Santana Moss catches TD. (Photo: herald.net)

While Roy Helu Jr did not quite repeat his 100 yard performance that he had against the Patriots, his presence still made him just as lethal. Helu did manage to convert multiple key first downs and was still a focal point of the Redskins offense. Rex Grossman had another solid day. After starting the game by throwing more passes to the Giants than the Redskins, Grossman battled and out performed Eli Manning today. Grossman finished 15-of-24, with 185 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions, and a passer rating of 65.5.

"Willie Smith and Tyler Polumbus will have to be rock solid on the edges to protect Rex Grossman."

Willie Smith and Tyler Polumbus were the most rock solid tackles that the Redskins have started all year (and yes, that includes Trent Williams). Willie Smith did a fantastic job against Jason Pierre-Paul. Pierre-Paul finished the day with just one sack. Smith also opened up the hole for the Redskins second touchdown when Darrel Young scored on a fullback hand-off. The Giants only got to Grossman once today for a sack.

"It will be up to OJ Atogwe and Reed Doughty to hold it down in the secondary."

O.J. Atogwe, 20, returns a pick. (Photo: sbnation.com)

Reed Doughty stepped up in a big way today. He was the teams third leading tackler with seven overall tackles. He also came up and stopped Brandon Jacobs on a key second down play in the fourth quarter. If Doughty had not have made that tackle, Jacobs could still be running right now. O.J. Atogwe finished with 6 total tackles, 2 pass break-ups, and 1 interception. DeAngelo Hall and Josh Wilson also had interceptions.

"Brian Orakpo (right) and Ryan Kerrigan will need to pin their ears back like they did week one and get after Manning in order to help out a less than impressive secondary."

Oh yeah! I'd say they showed up today. Ryan Kerrigan had a clutch fourth and goal sack today that forced the Giants to give the ball back to the Redskins. Brian Orakpo also contributed with a fourth quarter sack of his own. Orakpo finished with 2 total tackles and Kerrigan finished with 3 total tackles.

"The offensive line for the Redskins will have to step up and slow down the Giant (no pun intended...?) front seven." 

The offensive line for the Redskins had their marquee game this week. They only allowed one sack (they did give up 8 hits on the QB) and paved the way for 123 yards rushing. The Giants only managed to make 4 tackles for loss. The Redskins defense tallied 6 tackles for loss.

The Redskins were finally able to put it all together today and defeated the New York Giants in East Rutherford. This was the first time since 1999 that the Redskins have swept the New York Giants.