JV Game

Why they call it a field sobriety test

Redskins look terrible, lose 19-3 to the Giants. One of the themes in the run-up to this game was how poorly the Giants play after the bye. Going into this game, the Giants were 3-14 all-time following a week off. But mr. helpful Dick Stockton had to go and remind us two of those three came against the Redskins. Hmmm, anyone want to bet a dollar on who the Giants play after the bye next season?

Losing looking so bad while holding the opposing team to 19 points is an interesting thing. Eli got his yards, 256 yards on 23 of 33. Tiki got his yards, 123 on 23 carries. Seven Giants caught passes. As the Giants moved down the field, the Redskins defense got better. It is unfortunate that they did the stiffening up part when the Giants already were in FG range. Jay Feely kicked 4 field goals, and missed another early. But despite Plaxico and Amani each having big days, the Giants were held to one TD. How does this happen? Where the hell was Sean Taylor?

When they had the ball, the Redskins looked like there was no real gameplan. Clinton had a decent day, 76 yards on 19 carries, but Brunell was just pushed around and looked rotten. Is it me, or was Mark looking around at the collapsing line as much as looking downfield. The only good story was Cooley, which is convenient, because La Canfora chose him this week for the profile. After I scooped Jason by a day last week on Santana, he couldn't take the chance until after the game. Alas, no one qualifies for a Curly R profile this week, so I'll have to fill Tuesday with some other pap. Probly about how everything sucks.

Again, again! Gibbs elects to kick a field goal rather than go for it on fourth down. Last week, it netted a FG and a quick Jaguars drive to tie. This week, a missed field goal when the Redskins needed confidence. Note to Joe: ball control is moving 36 inches when you have to. Didn't quite look like last year, so I guess maybe, yay, Redskins don't give up 36? LaVar defensed one pass, feels better. Good for you LaVar. Howard Bryant reminds us the Giants converted seven consecutive third downs in the second and third quarters.

Meanwhile, the varsity squads played a barnburner in Philadephia. Redskins are off the lead lap, two games down to the Eagles.

Duckett watch: active, but didn't get on the field.

New Curly R feature: B-Lloyd Blues. No catches this week. Recall that it cost the Redskins two draft picks and a long-term deal. Yes, he was the best thing the 49ers had going for them last season. Get him in the game. The spirits of Alvin Harper and Flipper Anderson are stirring.

Box score. NFL-Giants game wrap is here. As penance for this loss, all readers must troll Giants blogs all day and suffer as they wallow in victory, starting here and here.

PS- I blogged this watching American Psycho. Couldn't find anything more appropriate.


Mark Brunell addressing the playcalling: Toni L. Sandys / Washington Post