Reactions and Distractions

Went to Opening Kickoff yesterday, and despite the perfect weather, witnessed a fairly ugly game in East Rutherford last night.

The Giants at least looked ready to play, but the Redskins? At this point, it'd be surprising to see them win more than 3 games. Jeff Campbell looked like he just rolled out of bed, Santana Moss dropped more balls than he caught, and Clinton Portis just looked pissed. Eventually Zorn's West Coast offense will sink in over in Washington, but don't expect it anytime soon. The Redskins fans sitting in front of me perpetually looked like they were walking in on someone cheating on their girlfriend, and ducked out before the rush of Giants fans taunted them even more. To be honest, I have serious doubts concerning Jason Campbell's future as an NFL quarterback. Just listen to Jim Zorn after the game.

As for the Giants big three of Manning, Jacobs, and Plaxico, things seemed to be clicking. Manning and Plax looked uber-comfortable, but Eli didn' really seem to have a lot of faith in his other recievers. He looked frusrated in the second half and never really got into a rhythm. However, If Plaxico stays healthy, he could easily put up top-5 numbers (the new contract he signed before the game doesn't hurt).

Oh, and another thing: Brandon Jacobs looks like a rhinoceros. The guy's biceps are bigger than my waist, and that scowl is inappropriate for children. He had more carries then I expected, but with the Giants in control, he was the ideal back to wear out the clock (and the defense). Hopefully you didn't miss that unholy plowing of LaRon Landy.

Also, to update you on the I'm-a-Jets-fan-who-always-goes-to-Giants-games situation, I continued to politely clap for both teams. I stood up when both teams scored. And I wore a neutral shirt that didn't set off any alarms. Next time I might be a little more confident and wear an ambiguous green Polo. We'll see...

Giantskins

So if you see a talk awkward guy with weird facial hair on the Giant's sideline's tonight, chances are you're looking at Plaxico Burress. But if you happen to notice his white-boy equivalent flicking boogers, well, that's probably me.

I'm actually not a Giants fan, but alas, connections have allowed me the distinct pleasure of attending many a Giants game from the sidelines and front rows. This is always a bit of an awkward predicament. It's like visiting a friend at their college, or moving to Canada. You don't want to be a Negative Nancy in such a position, but at the same time, I've already pledged allegiance to another team (the New York Bretts). Sorry. It's in my blood.

So I politely clap. I make offhand comments to staff members. I obnoxiously text my friends in other parts of the stadium to show them where I am. It's not a bad gig, and I hope to continue attending Giants games in the future. Just know, you're not going to catch me in an Eli jersey anytime soon.

Let's take a quick look at some of the impact players for tonight's NFL kickoff:

Quarterbacks: Jason Campbell has struggled in the preseason picking up Jim Zorn's complicated new offense. Luckily, he'll have extra time to think about it, as the Giant's are obviously missing their two biggest guns on the D-line. Still he won't get very far. (ETC predication: 14/23, 180yds, 0TD, 2INT). Meanwhile, Mr. Eli looked sharp in the preseason, which is meaningless. Luckily, the 'Skins are missing a D-linegun of their own in Jason Taylor, and Shawn Springs is hurting. Giants WR's are hurtin' and that make me nervous. Let's give 'lil bro a somewhat decent game anyway: 19/27, 240yds, 2TD, 1INT, and a fumble lost.

Running back: Should be interesting to see how Coughlin's splits the carries. Brandon Jacobs (ETC: 12 carries, 60yds, 1TD) will get the bulk the of carries, but Ahmed Bradshaw and Derrick Ward should steal enough yardage to prevent him from being a frontline fantasy starter. Personally, if you have a solid backup, I'd wait it out this week to see how the Giants handle things. Meanwhile, Clinton Portis should have a field day. Look for the Redskins to pounds the ball until they get the passing game figured out. (ETC: 25 carries, 125 yards, 1TD).

Wide Recievers: When is Santana Moss going to come around? When is Antwaan Randle El going to come around? It seems like these recievers excel best on other teams. They need a third reciever, and rookie Devin Thomas should provide that help... someday. They'll look for him in the end zone. Meanwhile, Plaxico claims his right ankle his okay, and that the Giants recieving core is dope. They aren't, but he'll burn Shawn Springs for a touchdown tonight.

Defense: They'll both be solid picks. It's early in the season, and both offenses are either inexperienced ('Skins) or hurting (Giants).

Kickers: Props to whoever starts the 44-year old John Carney. Redskins red-zones woes should help Shayne Graham.

ETC Final score: Giants 24, Redskins 16