Watch to Watch New York Giants at the Washington Redskins

Today, on 9/11 the New York Giants head to the Washington D.C. area to face their rival the Washington Redskins, in a game that will surely produce plenty of storires about the tragedies of September 11, 2001. And while the attacks deserve more attention than any football game, there is stil a football game to be played. Here’s what I”m watching for in that game (concentrating on the young guys..this is NFlmocks.com after all)

New York Giants Young’uns

On Friday the New York Giants signed Justin Trattou the undrafted rookie free agent from the Florida Gator w as signed to the team to replace the injured Jonathan Goff. With his addition the New York Giants now have 11! Rookies on their roster (four of them undrafted, 12 with Marvin Austin).

Their draft picks:

Amukamara (will be inactive), Marvin Austin (on IR), Jerrel Jerngain (MAY be inactive), James Brewer, Greg Jones, Tyler Sash, Jacquian Williams, and Da’Rel Scott (may be inactive).

Undrafted:

Mark Herzlich, Spencer Paysinger, Henry Hynoski, and Justin Trattou

If you’re into watching young guys play, you’ll see plenty of them on New York.

Player to watch Greg Jones

The Former Mr. Everything in the Big 10 for the Michigan Spartans will get his first start NFL start in his first game. That was NOT the play heading into preseason and when he was drafted, but Jonathan Goff will miss the entire season. If Jones plays out of his mind, he might convince the Giants to not sign a free agent to play linebacker after this week (when contracts are no longer guranteed for the whole season for veterans). And he also may force the Giants to let Jon Goff walk if he has a huge season. That’s a big IF though. He’s talented, but this is not preseason, and this isn’t college. This is a HUGE test for Greg Jones. Especially in run defense. The Giants will likely use the three safety package that is a staple in a Perry Fewell defense on passing downs.

The Giants Rookies on Special teams

After the draft the New York Giants talked about how Jacquain Williams can play Special teams and cover and that’s why he was signed. The Giants special teams (coverage units) were awful last year. Williams, Paysinger and Herzlich will likely be active, or at least two of the three. And they will play special teams. The Redskins have the dangerous Brandon Banks back there. Can they improve the Giants special teams?

Jason Pierre Paul and Linval Joseph vs the Redskins offensive line.

The 2010 NFL Draft isn’t looking great for the Giants in numbers (they’ve released Phillip Dillard, Matt Dodge and Adrian Tracy. Also, Chad Jones, the third round pick may never play football). But if Linval Joseph and Jason Pierre Paul (and both will start today) are as good as the Giants think they are, it won’t really matter. Jason Pierre Paul has flashed brilliance last year and in the preseason. Joseph is talented, but barely played last year. He’s taking a HUGE step up this year. Can he handle it?

Will Beatty vs Brian Orakpo

These guys are approaching savvy veteran status and not young guys anymore, but they’re still young. Will Beatty is the LT of the future for the New York Giants unless he proves otherwise. And otherwise could start this week. Brian Orakpo is one of the best pass rushers in the league, can he contain him and keep Eli Manning’s blindside clean?

For the Redskins

The young position players for the Redskins. The Redskins have been notorious for being heavy veteran oriented teams, but this year the position players are mostly young. Santana Moss is older as is Donte Stallworth and Jabar Gafney.

But the WR’s behind those three are: Anthony Armstrong, Brandon Banks, Terrence Austin (all in their second year).

And Niles Paul, Leonard Hankerson the rookies. They are keeping a LOT of Wr on their roster right now. And there’s a lot of promise. The Giants secondary is very beat up. Can the young players make an impact this week. Ryan Torain, Roy Helu are also both young running backs as well.

Trent Williams vs Jason Pierre Paul

This will be an exciting matchup. Both are excellent athletes who were considered “boom or bust” prospects heading into last year’s draft. I can’t wait to see who shines tonight.

The Redskins Offensive Line Depth

The Redskins aren’t carrying a lot of offensive linemen. They aren’t even carrying one extra listed tackle on their roster (obviously they have players who could play T in a pinch). An injury to Trent Williams or Jamaal Brown could be devestating.

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