GAME 4 PREVIEW: NEW YORK vs. PHILADELPHIA

By Bob Folger

The Giants saved their season last week – a 1-2 record being much more manageable than 0-3. Desperation had a lot to do with their gut-check, second half performance. Now the question is, how desperate is this group to get to .500?

Defeat the Eagles Sunday night, and the Giants are suddenly set up very nicely not only in the NFC East, but also to go on a bit of a run against the (allegedly) soft underbelly of the schedule. Which makes this Eagles game another Big Game at least in the Big Picture. 

Do the players look at the Big Picture very much? The coaches certainly do, but the players we think, are more “week-to-week” creatures, which is what makes this game dangerous. Last week’s sense of desperation is gone so how will the players approach this game? Fortunately, it’s a division foe, so that should help with their motivation as it shouldn’t be too hard to get excited for the Eagles.

Another challenge for this Giants team is its poor record at Giants Stadium which originates back to last year. It’s time for this group to make a statement at home, to play with the same focus and determination that they seem to save for the road.

Giants on Offense

You would think the Giants will try and establish the run early, which is why we think play-action (in small doses) will work early against the Eagles. Offensive Coordinator Kevin Gilbride has a knack for setting up big plays early, deep shots that serve to slow down the opponent’s pass rush. Balance is always a priority of course, but hurting your opponent deep with the pass, early in the game, is another very good thing.

Fortunately, there are plenty of tender spots in the Eagles secondary. Safety Brian Dawkins and CB Lito Shepherd are hurting. If they play, the Giants must attack them early as they are the Eagles’ two best pass defenders. Take them away, and the linebackers will be forced to drop to help against the pass, which will then open up the run.

The draw, especially out of the shotgun, has been especially effective so far this year, particularly in the red zone. As the Eagles linebackers retreat, watch for that draw, and perhaps a return of the screen pass to the Giants’ game plan.

Questions:

Will Plaxico Burress be ready to play?

His injured ankle is a chronic question mark. If Burress can’t go, the offense will be limited and may be forced to pull in the reins.

How will the Giants protecting the edges against the Eagles’ dynamic pass rushers?

Look for the Giants to mix in a healthy dose of 2-TE alignments to help with the double teams, as well as some empty backfield shotgun alignments, and quick throws out of it, to further frustrate the Eagles’ cadre of pass rushers.

Giants on Defense

The one Eagles offensive player who typically created the most headaches for the Giants is running back Brian Westbrook, who has Tiki Barber-like talent and Brandon Jacobs like strength. In the past, no one Giants linebacker has been able to keep up with him in the open field. The only way to stop Westbrook is to gang-tackle him.

Westbrook will be playing this week a painful abdominal strain, so the Giants must pound on him early and often. The Giants’ linebackers also need to be alert to screen passes targeting the Westbrook, a play which always seems to hurt the Giants.

The Eagles’ offensive line is massive and talented, and is the true strength of their offense. How well the finally-healthy Giants’ defensive line handles this group will go a long way towards deciding this game’s winner.

QB Donovan McNabb has always been an inconsistent thrower who was more dangerous with his legs than his arm. Coming off knee surgery, McNabb is no longer a threat to run. Not having to contain a mobile McNabb will help the defensive line attack the pocket with abandon. A steady Giants’ pass rush is another key to this game.

The Eagles’ wide receivers don’t scare us, despite posting some record-breaking numbers last week against Detroit because prior to last week the Eagles’ offense floundered. It’s up to the giants defense to return the Eagles to a similar state of dysfunction. Familiarity with this divisional foe, as well as defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s knowledge of the Eagles offense, should give the Giants an advantage in this area.

Questions:

Can Michael Strahan continue to dominate OT Jon Runyan?

We think Strahan has lost something off of his fastball, notably in his explosion and power game. Strahan’s relying much more on speed on the pass rush. Does he have enough left to beat the still-steady Runyan?

Will Osi Umenyiora get the upper hand against William (Tra) Thomas?

The Giants’ best match-up could be on the other side, where Umenyiora, showing no ill-effects from his week one knee injury faces Thomas, who is battling a knee injury of his own. If Umenyiora gets off the mark quickly, it could force the Eagles to max-protect and pare down their game plan.

Also, with tight end L.J. Smith out for the game, the Eagles have fewer play-making options at McNabb’s disposal.

Giants on Special Team

The Giants’ special teams were sub-par last week. Kickoff coverage was shoddy, punt coverage fell apart in a big spot, the short-snapping remains inconsistent, and even the usually reliable Jeff Feagles had a poor punting game.

David Akers is one of the NFL’s best-kept secrets and is kicking very well, giving the Eagles a big edge over Lawrence Tynes, who has been short on kickoffs, albeit solid on place kicks. Feagles must rebound and give the Giants better directional punting. Meanwhile, 34 -year-old Australian rookie punter Saverio Rocca gives the Eagles a very big leg, but he can be deliberate in his technique, which could give the Giants a chance to block a punt.

In his first game back from injury last week, David Tyree attacked the kickoff wedge with courage and fierceness, and also helped run down Antwaan Randle El on Washington’s big fourth quarter punt return. If some of the younger Giants can’t find inspiration from Tyree’s example, then this group is doomed, for as good as Tyree is, he needs help.

Reuben Droughns has been solid on kickoff returns but really has no edge over Philly’s Correll Buckhalter. Reno Mahe has younger legs than R.W. McQuarters on punt returns. Overall, it looks like another week where the opposing team has more special teams talent than the Giants. However, that doesn’t mean that the Giants special teamers can’t play with more intensity, desire, and heart.

This team needs contributions from all three units to win this game. If the special teams don’t at least neutralize Philly’s then the Giants could be in for a long night, as field position could help decide this game.