GIANT NOTES
With his next half or full sack, Redskins defensive end Bruce Smith will break the NFL’s all-time sack record he currently shares with Reggie White. Attempting to prevent Smith from capturing the record this Sunday could be either Ian Allen or Jeff Hatch, the two options for the Giants at the tackle spots if Luke Petitgout can’t play.
“I don’t want to be that guy that gives him that last sack,” Allen said.
If Petitgout cannot return from the back spasms that forced him to sit out last week’s loss to the Bills, Hatch might make his NFL debut at left tackle. But if that’s considered too much too soon, another option is to move Allen from right to left tackle and allow Hatch to ease in at right tackle.
Regan Upshaw starts ahead of Smith, but Smith’s 198 career sacks put him on the verge of moving past White, so figure he’ll play long enough to get the one sack he needs. Smith usually lines up opposite the right tackle.
“I used to watch him those years when [Buffalo] went to the Super Bowl. Bruce Smith was my guy,” said Allen, who began his college career at Purdue playing on the defensive line. “But now it’s not the same.”
Hatch, eager to get a chance, would not be drawn into any prolonged discussion about Smith’s impending record. “Dun-dun-dun, the beat writers are foaming at the mouth . . . will he say it?” Hatch said playfully. “You’re crazy. What, are you kidding me? Bruce Smith, he’s a great football player, that’s the extent of my answers to that question.”
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With LG Wayne Lucier on the injured list, Scott Peters, a natural center, is the likely choice as Lucier’s replacement . . . CB Ralph Brown, who missed the last three games with a dislocated shoulder, practiced and looks ready to return. He’s listed as questionable but appears much more likely to play than Petitgout or TE Jeremy Shockey (knee), who are also both questionable. Neither practiced. If Shockey can’t play, newly-signed veteran TE Tony McGee will be activated.
Giants yesterday practiced inside their bubble. “We’re all miserable, so we don’t have to practice outside and all be more miserable,” Jim Fassel said . . . Redskins QB Patrick Ramsey (foot) is doubtful, meaning Tim Hasselbeck will likely make his second start.
