The following is the second week of TheHogs.net’s 2004 NFL season simulation using the ESPN 2K5 football game on the Playstation 2 console:
2004 NFL WEEK TWO
Washington Redskins (0-1) at New York Giants (1-0)
The weather in The Meadowlands seemed to also be affected by Hurricane Ivan as at times, the rain came down in sheets. Based on the inclement weather, one would think that both teams passing games would be neutralized. Not so, as the teams combined for 565 passing yards and a scoring barrage.
The Giants started the action off with a 19 play drive that started on their own 21 and ended with a 24 yard Matt Bryant field goal. The Redskins responded by taking the ensuing kickoff and on their first play, QB Mark Brunell hooked up with WR Laveranues Coles for a 75 yard touchdown pass to put the Redskins up 7-3.
The Giants, lead by QB Kurt Warner (26-41 for 274 yards, 2 TD’s and 1 INT) and aided by 4 Redskins penalties of 10 yards or better, slogged 76 yards for a touchdown (Tiki Barber, 1 yard) to go up 10-7. The Giants would add to that lead later in the second quarter as Brunell fumbles after being hammered by Osi Umenyiora. Shaun Williams (NY) recovers the loose ball at the Redskins 11 yard line and two plays later Tiki Barber scores his second touchdown of the day. Giants up 17-7. The Redskins took the kickoff and scored before the half on a 65 yard touchdown pass from Brunell to RB Ladell Betts. At the half, the Giants led the Redskins 17-14.
The second half started off with Brunell’s ill advised pass being picked off by the Giants Terry Cousins. The G-Men waste no time in making the Redskins pay for the mistake as Warner finds Willie Ponder on the other end of a 40 yard touchdown pass to put them up 24-14. It would stay that score until the Redskins opened the fourth quarter with a 10 play, 80 yard drive ending with TE Walter Rasby’s 14 yard touchdown reception to cut the lead to 24-21.
The teams then play the type of football that would have reminded Warner of his Arena ball days as the teams trade big plays. The Giants strike first on their first play after the kickoff as Warner finds Amani Toomer for 77 yards and a touchdown to put the Giants up 31-21 midway through the fourth quarter. The Redskins return the favor by taking the following kickoff and on the third play of the drive, Brunell finds WR Darnerian McCants down the right sideline for a 48 yard touchdown reception. That score cut the score to 31-28, Giants.
With 3:02 left to play, Warner is intercepted by Shawn Springs at the Giants 23 yard line. Trailing 31-28, the Redskins drive to the Giants goal line where the unthinkable happens. Clinton Portis is hit by Carlos Emmons as he pushes toward the end line, the Giants recover and run out the clock to preserve the 31-28 win as they improve to 2-0 and the Redskins fall to 0-2.
REDSKINS GAME LEADERS:
QB Mark Brunell: 16-27 for 291 yards, 4 TD’s, 1 INT, 1 fumble and was sacked 4 times.
WR Laveranues Coles: 5 receptions for 115 yards and 1 TD
LB Lavar Arrington: 9 tackles
CB Shawn Springs: 3 tackles, 4 assists, 1 INT, I pass deflection and I blocked punt.
INJURIES:
OT Randy Thomas (migraines) out at least 2 weeks
LB Marcus Washington (migraines) out at least 4 weeks
WR Rod Gardner (shoulder) could return in week 3
The Redskins (0-2) still sit tied for second behind the Giants (2-0) with the Cowboys and Eagles (both 0-2).
The Redskins (0-2) will play host to the Dallas Cowboys in another NFC East match up. The Cowboys lost at home to Cleveland 21-15 in week 2.
Be sure to come back and check out the results of this game next week.
ARTICLE TOOLS 
