FOR THE THIRD time in five years, the Washington Redskins will open their season with a nationally televised game–this time in East Rutherford, N.J., against the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants.

The NFL does a lot right, maybe nothing better than season openers. The Thursday night kickoff, annually played in a major city each season and typically at the home stadium of the reigning Super Bowl champion, is terrific. More than a game, it’s a celebration, with concerts and performances going on for hours before kickoff.alberta credit counseling
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What I don’t get about this season’s game is why the Redskins were chosen to play the Giants. Don’t get me wrong; having grown up with more burgundy laundry than that of any other color, I’m thrilled that Washington will be participating in the season opener. I just don’t get why.

In the past, the Redskins were involved in games like this because of something they had done during the offseason. They had either signed marquee free agents, or a Hall of Fame coach had come back. But that wasn’t the case this winter.

The only major difference between the 2007 Redskins and this year’s team is that Jim Zorn is the team’s new head coach. I think Zorn will be fine, but I don’t think his hiring was enough to make Washington a must-see team in week one.

That wasn’t the only date on Washington’s recently released schedule that intrigued me. The home opener against the New Orleans Saints will be exciting–not because Reggie Bush will be making his inaugural trip to FedEx Field, but because King George County native Jermon Bushrod will be playing close to home.

Washington’s lone home Monday night appearance will take place on Nov. 3 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Another enticing home game will be an Oct. 19 showdown with the Cleveland Browns.

The Browns are an upstart team, guided by a brilliant general manager (Phil Savage) who has made a slew of moves to help Cleveland become relevant again. Quarterback Derek Anderson was a Pro Bowler last season, and fourth-year wide receiver Braylon Edwards is one of the league’s most rapidly rising stars.

One downside to the 2008 schedule is the fact that the Redskins will be doing a lot of traveling late in the year. Four of Washington’s final six games will be played on the road, which could be harmful to the team if it’s engaging in another December playoff push.

Oh, and one last thought: If you were looking forward to a late-season collision with the Dallas Cowboys, than you’ll be disappointed. Washington and Dallas meet twice in the first 10 weeks of the season, meaning that the two teams won’t tangle during the holiday season as usual.

Grant Paulsen can be reached at The Free Lance-Star, 616 Amelia St., Fredericksburg, Va. 22401, or by fax at 540/373-8455.