EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The New York Giants kicked off their Super Bowl title defense with what else - defense.
Playing without Pro Bowl linemen Michael Strahan and Osi
Umenyiora, the defense limited the new-look Washington Redskins to
11 first downs and 209 total yards and gave indications that these
Giants are back for another run in a 16-7 victory that ushered in
the NFL season on Thursday night.
Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning, Plaxico Burress and the rest of the
offense that started the Super Bowl against the New England
Patriots also came up big in spoiling the debut of Redskins coach
Jim Zorn and his West Coast offense.
Manning capped a game-opening 84-yard drive with a 1-yard
touchdown run and recently signed John Carney kicked three field
goals as the Giants scored on their first four possessions in
posting a rare home win. They won their final 11 away from Giants
Stadium in capturing their third Super Bowl, but they were 3-5 at
home, losing the last four games.