New York offense vs. Washington defense

	GIANTS OFFENSE
	Ranking in the NFL:
	Run	23
	Pass	14
	Tot. Yds.	21
	Scoring	19
	Int's allowed	9
	Sacks allowed	27
	REDSKINS DEFENSE
	Ranking in the NFL:
	vs. Run	30
	vs. Pass	30
	Total yds. allowed	31
	# of Ints.	14
	# of Sacks	20
	Turnover differential	-3

The numbers say that the Redskins have the second-best offense in the NFL, averaging 388 yards per game. However, the loss of Michael Westbrook to a broken wrist last week in Philadelphia forces a change in game plan this week that will likely cut into Washington's proficiency. An injury with such severe repercussions could not have come at a worse time for the Redskins, as they prepare to host the Giants, who boast the NFL's seventh-best defense.

The Redskins have had success on offense because of their balance, using this year's breakout back Stephen Davis' running prowess to keep their opposition honest. Defenses have been careful blitzing the 'Skins, because of their threatening play-action package, which gives their wide outs a clean release off the line of scrimmage and leaves TE Alexander open in the areas vacated by attacking linebackers.

It is Johnson's ability to see the whole field and check off to second and third receivers that has forced defenses to try and rush his decision making process in the pocket, often times allowing for the Redskins offense to dictate tempo. Westbrook's absence will allow the New York defense to crowd the box, in an effort to limit Davis' opportunities to utilize his great vision running the ball, by cutting off his backside running lanes.

Veteran OLT Andy Heck will have trouble matching up with Michael Strahan, whose explosion off the ball is possibly the best in the League. Strahan's quick get-off up field should force Davis into the traffic created by New York's eight men in the box approach. The Redskins will be inclined to run at Strahan, because of his zealous attitude up the field. In this event, Washington's Rookie ORT Jon Jansen's solid run blocking technique could provide room for Davis to run backside if Jansen can maintain his blocks, something he has struggled with throughout the season.

New York gambles defensively and will throw a varied blitz package at Johnson with Westbrook no longer an option, forcing him to make "hot reads" and get on the same page with a receiving corps that he is now not completely comfortable with.

Giant defensive coordinator, John Fox, has enough confidence in CB's Jason Seahorn and Phillipi Sparks to leave them in single coverage against Albert Connell and Irving Fryar. Connell has flourished opposite of Westbrook this year, but has no NFL experience as a number one receiving option. Fryer is a formidable backup, but no longer possess the ability to stretch the Giant secondary.

Johnson will attempt to spread the ball all over the field to possibly relax the Giant defensive approach. If he is successful doing so without his number one option in the lineup, this could result in more zone coverage from the Giant's secondary and eventually could lead to Johnson working the deep third of the football field, exploiting FS Percy Ellsworth who has just returned to the lineup with a soar foot. Also look for Johnson to pick on SS Sam Garnes, who can be a liability against the pass and struggles locking in on receivers.

The spread formation the Giants will primarily work from against Washington will feature QB Kent Graham in the Shotgun, with RB Tiki Barber lined up on either side of the quarterback and three receivers wide with TE Pete Mitchell either down or in the slot. They've used the formation from time to time this season, but it was finally effective late last week against the Colts, creating big plays for RB Barber and TE Mitchell.

Washington's defense is among the leagues worst, ranked 29th overall, giving up an average of 396 total yards per game. For both teams, the problems stem from up front. The Giants have just demoted rookie LG Luke Petitgout, in favor of long snapper Jason Whittle and Washington's defensive coordinator Mike Nolan could be fired any day because of his team's poor play against the run.

After the Giants lost RB Gary Brown several weeks ago, their running attack has not been the same. Both LeShon Johnson and Tiki Barber are prototypical third down backs, but neither is fit for the traditional two back offense.

Working from the shotgun, New York will feature Barber, using lateral tosses and draws to get him involved on the ground. The Redskins LB's will be spread all over the field, but the knock on this unit is that they're undersized not slow. If Barber starts to experience success the 'Skins will likely position a linebacker to "spy" on Barber, following him all over the field. Giant's OC Brian Williams has been late recognizing stunts this season. As a result, the Redskin's DT's Dan Wilkenson and Dana Stubblefield plan to confuse him, hoping to reach Graham and disrupt any vertical running plays.

The Redskins zone defense on passing downs has exposed the age of CB Daryl Green, who is more comfortable playing physical, press coverage on the line of scrimmage. With WR's Ike Hilliard, Amani Toomer and Joe Jurevicius spread all over the field, Green will need help. Look for Washington to work out of the nickel frequently against the Giants new scheme to compensate for the extra receiver, possibly giving SS Darryl Pounds added rotation in the secondary.

The Giants are accustomed to sending TE Mitchell down field, attracting attention and forcing the defense to pinch in on him, which should create more man-to-man coverage situations for the wideouts. This will only hurt the Giants against Washington's CB's Champ Bailey and Daryl Green, who are both exceptional when locked on in man-to-man assignments.

Passing from the shotgun will give Graham more options and enable him to make his reads down field. The spread offense will prevent some pressure and will help Graham see the whole field, something he cannot do well out of the pro style offense.