Sloppy Potatoes

Redskins vs. Giants I (2008), get fired up

A co-worker asked and I started talking about the season-opener, and knowing I’m a Giants fan, he said “it’s only Giants-Redskins.” Eventually, I started rattling off some questions/expectations/storylines that I thought made it a great season-opener for the 2008 NFL season.

You really don’t need any reason to watch the NFL season-opener, with it being the season-opener, but here are a few things I will watch for.

Eli Manning’s ascension

Manning finished last year like a quarterback who snapped into the realm of elite NFL QBs and this will be our first chance to see if he really has moved into the upper tier.

Giants defense questions

Can they be as good as last year? Yes, Steve Spagnuolo’s scheme is money (pure Super Bowl gold, actually). Will they survive Strahan’s retirement/Umenyura’s injury? Yes, again it’s the system. Last year the Giants lined 4 DEs up along the front line. They’ll still get after the QB. Feel bad for ‘Skins QB Jason Campbell. Feel very bad.

Speaking of Jason Campbell…

The dude’s got weapons, and the team drafted even more for him. This guy’s got to step up this year, or clipboard-carrying Colt Brennan is going to get plenty of face time. How he handles himself against the Super Bowl champs will say a lot.

Or, maybe it’s Jim Zorn

Not everyone is sold on Jim Zorn and if the guy can’t get a team featuring Campbell, Santana Moss, Clinton Portis, Antwaan Randle-El, Fred Smoot, Shawn Springs, Jason Taylor, London Fletcher and Rocky McIntosh back to the playoffs, firejimzorn.com will likely be a busy place on the Internet. It could start as early as tonight.

How does Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw fit in

A postseason star, Bradshaw will steal carries from Brandon Jacobs. But, how How many? In what situation? The Giants coaching staff had a full offseason to mix him into the gameplan. This will be interesting.

Can Kevin Boss be the new Jeremy Shockey…

… Y’know, minus the injuries. Shockey was a talent on the field and even when he wasn’t dominating, he was creating opportunities across the field for every other offensive option. Boss stood out in the postseason, but can it continue? Could he end up better than Shockey? That’s an interesting question.

Remember Santana Moss circa 2005?

That was the Moss that made 84 grabs for 1,483 yards and 9 TDs as a dominant receiver. What happened to that guy? I sure hope he doesn’t return tonight. WR screens don’t take long to set up, giving the Giants battered defense little time to rush Campbell. Uh, somebody call Tom Coughlin right now.

I’m sure there are more. What did I miss? What will you be watching for? Leave a comment below.