New York Giants Defeat NFC East Rival Washington Redskins 23-17

NFL News - September 14th, 2009 - Written by Scott

In their quest to repeat as NFC East champions, the New York Giants opened up their 2009 season with a 23-17 victory over the Washington Redskins. The Giants quickly jumped out to a 17-0 lead in the first half and never looked back. Going into the season, questions lingered regarding the Giants' offense due to losing wide receiver Plaxico Burress for the entire year. In Sunday's game, he was not missed as the Giants' defense stood strong and made up for their loss at wide receiver.

With the Giants leading 10-0 in the second quarter, newly acquired Osi Umenyiora hit Redskins' quarterback Jason Campbell and knocked the ball loose. He then recovered the fumble and took it 37 yards for a touchdown to put the Giants ahead 17-0. Umenyiora missed the entire 2008 after recovering from knee surgery.

"It was unbelievable and now all that is in the past," Umenyiora said . "I can't even explain it to you, when something like that is taken away from you. Last year I missed it. I was happy I was able to come back in there."

On his fumble recovery for a touchdown, Umenyiora had this to say. "To be honest, I don't know what happened," Umenyiora said. "That's the way most plays are made. You just go out there and sometimes good things happen. They always get on me about knocking the ball out and not picking it up. When I saw it, I just picked it up."

The Redskins responded however, as Hunter Smith scored on an eight yard run with :21 left in the half. After virtually a scoreless third quarter, Redskins kicker Shaun Suisham nailed a 27 yard field goal to bring Washington within seven. This margin would not last long as the Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes hit two field goals to put the Giants ahead 23-17. The Redskins once again made another comeback attempt when Campbell hit Chris Cooley from 17 yards out to bring the Redskins within 6 with 1:31 left in the game. An effort to get the ball back on an onside attempt failed, as Steve Smith recovered the kick and the Giants ran out the clock.

The Giants' quarterback, Eli Manning, had a solid game as he threw for 256 on 20-29 passing with 1 touchdown and 1 pick. There are still questions at the receiver position with the loss of Burress and Amani Toomer. Also, the Giants top draft pick Hakeem Nicks went out with a sprained left foot in the second quarter. Steve Smith seems to be Manning's go-to target after hauling in 6 passes for 80 yards. However, The Giants' defense was the story of the day. They held the Redskins to only 272 yards of total offense and running back Clinton Portis to just 62 yards rushing. They also forced two turnovers and collected three sacks in the win.

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