December 19, 2011
Ceci Ferarra
Sports Writer
Sports Insider
For the first time since 1999, the Redskins have swept the Giants. In their two meetings this year, the Skins outplayed and outscored their division rival, 51-24. Their first meeting was the first game of the season, when the Skins topped the visiting G-men 28-14. That win fostered false hopes for the season, as the Redskins faltered after their bye week, losing eight out of nine games, including six straight.
At 4-9, the Skins entered Sunday’s game as underdogs against the NFC East leading New York Giants who were coming off a huge win in Dallas. The Giants had knocked the Cowboys from first place. But the Giants, who vowed revenge against the Skins after game one, fell flat. Eli Manning had three interceptions for the second time this season. The Redskins’ defense kept New York out of the end-zone, denying them twice. The Redskins looked like a playoff bound team, stunning the Giants for the second time this season, 23-10.
Though Rex Grossman threw two interceptions, the Giants were unable to capitalize on the take-a-ways. The rest of Grossman’s performance was average at best: 15 of 24 for 185 yards and one touchdown. Roy Helu, who rushed for just 53 yards on 23 carries, was equally average. It was the defense who really shined on Sunday and let the Redskins walk away with their fifth win of the year. London Fletcher, Brian Orakpo, and Ryan Kerrigan proved how much heart was left in the depleted Washington line-up.
While the win doesn’t help the Redskins, it does push the Giants out of first place. This leaves many in Washington wondering if the alternative is better. The Cowboys are now a full game ahead in the NFC East. The Giants need to win their next two against the Jets, and Cowboys, respectively to clinch the division. Amazingly, it’s not just a two horse race. The Eagles, who at one time were 1-4, improved to 6-8 with a dominant 45-19 win over the Jets on Sunday and are still on the fringe (The Skins are the only NFC East team to be out of playoff contention.). Depending on how the last two games play out, the Eagles could actually make it to the playoffs. Perhaps they are a dream team after all.
Capitals Struggle to Score as Season Skates On
The Capitals (16-14-1) return to Verizon Center tonight to play host to the Nashville Predators (17-11-4). The last time the team met last month the Capitals scored first but struggled to score more, eventually leading to a 3-1 defeat.
The Capitals’ inability to score has become a recent problem; they have scored just three goals in their past three games. While the one goal was enough to win against the Winnipeg Jets, it has not been very effective for them otherwise. Washington is 4-5 under new head coach Dale Hunter, which may be a slight improvement but definitely not a winning one.
Whether they need to study the videos harder, take more shots, or practice more, they need to do it fast. It’s not early in the season anymore, and the Capitals can’t keep making excuses for losing games. They have a new coach; it’s time he lights a fire under them.
