All that's old is new again this 2009 as for the second year in a row, the Washington Redskins will open up their regular season at the New York Giants. Instead of a nighttime opening before a nationwide audience though, the 'Skins get instead a late afternoon opening before an almost nationwide audience.
The Redskins come into East Rutherford after another offseason filled with turmoil, this time over the status of starting quarterback Jason Campbell who was almost discarded on two separate occasions. Campbell was not at his best in two preseason games but came back strong for the more important third matchup to reenergize D.C. fans. Questions remain with the offensive line though which will have to protect Campbell from an energetic Giants pass rush.
While the offense remains a concern, the Redskins solidified themselves further on defense with the drafting of defensive end/linebacker Brian Orakpo and the free agent acquisition of defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. With Haynesworth seeing little preseason action though, the extent of his impact against the Giants is also an open question.
At any rate, the Washington Redskins again face long odds for an opening game victory at the Meadowlands. If it's any consolation, the Giants are hardly the same unit as seen during their early '08 season Super Bowl run with the degradation of their passing game. While a Redskins victory may be improbable this Sunday, it is hardly impossible. Start time is 4:15 p.m. on WTTG/FOX/5 & WTEM/980.Labels: albert haynesworth, jason campbell, pro football, sports, washington redskins
