Analysis- Redskins v. Giants Week 13

    This loss hurt. Its as simple as that really. The Redskins didn't come out with the fire that was seen earlier this season. Instead, what I witnessed was a team that plays with absolutely no urgency when needed. I also saw a team that was dominated from start to finish. I saw the defense play average at best. The offense, which hasn't really taken shape this season, looked as if it were still in Week 2 of the Preseason. Coupled with the lack of halftime adjustments and overall poor playcalling, I saw a team that just did not compete. At this point in the season, that is pitiful.

    The defense did not play well. For most of the game, Eli Manning looked like Peyton at his best. Though the defense was able to stop the run early, the Giants came out with a simple plan: let Eli beat them. The Redskins had the same idea, except that they couldn't get to Eli. Any QB can look good if he doesn't have to worry about a pass rush. Eli is a real good QB. And frankly, he looked like a great QB. Smoot giving up the early touchdown deflated the defense. Carlos' playing 10 yards off the receiver made things even easier for the Giants. With all this being said, the defense played well enough to win.

    The offense should be much better than this. Alot of teams can say this though. The reason why it is frustrating now is because of Jim Zorn's supposed offense. Joe Gibbs was said to be too conservative and often played not to lose. Right now, the offense and the playcalling is mimicking Joe Gibbs' offense. There is no reason for the playcalling to become aggressive when the opposing team is up more than a touchdown at the end of the third quarter. The reverse called earlier in the game to Devin Thomas was interesting, but won't work week to week. The problem with the offense seems to be that no one plays with a sense of urgency. JC seems too complacent sometimes. Zorn only begins to call aggressive plays when their down. I know that Portis was hurt, but he was injured all week. His coming out of the game wasn't unforseen. Considering how meager the offense looked though, it just didn't seem like it. 

     I don't like sounding all gloom and doom, but this loss was big. The NFC South is possibly looking at having as many as three teams in the playoffs. The Cowboys have Romo back, which in any world is an upgrade over Brad Johnson. The loss to the Rams early in the season is really starting to hurt. Really, all the Redskins can do now is win the rest of their games. Let me give out my grades for the game. Yep, I give out grades.

Offense: D+

Defense: C

Special Teams: C

Coaching: D