At times these games are filled with bizarre plays and last minute heroics. But throughout, they are always filled with intense, physical battles. The rivalry definitely intensified during the late ’80s when Buddy Ryan and Randall Cunningham started giving Bill Parcells fits.
Since those days, it hasn’t let up. Both teams hated each other back then, and when they take the field at 8:15pm Sunday night, it’s sure to be no less different.
The Giants will bring with them a top-notch defense that is allowing only 260.4 yards per game and that has held six of their last eight opponents to 17 points or less.
The Giants sit atop the NFC with 30 sacks, and defensive ends Justin Tuck and Mathias Kiwanuka have combined for 11 1/2 of them.
Steve Spagnuolo
In addition to having the right players, much of the Giants’ defensive success can be traced directly back to defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo.
Spagnuolo coached with the Eagles from 1999–2006. Under head coach Andy Reid, he served as a defensive assistant, defensive backs coach, and then linebackers coach during his last season in 2004–05.
Spagnuolo honed his craft under current Eagles defensive guru Jim Johnson and added some twists of his own. He infused an attacking style into the Giants “D” and it was this aggressive scheme that was key in defeating the New England Patriots during last year’s Super Bowl.
Improvement Needed at QB
Though the Giants were victorious last week, Eli Manning lost two fumbles, was sacked four times, had an interception returned for a touchdown, and threw for only 147 yards. That must change this week, especially when playing at the raucous Linc against these Eagles.
While Manning has made huge strides—and his 4th quarter magic remains—his completion percentage has waned to 61.2. Of course, that number could increase if the Giants receiving corps played with better consistency. As for the Giants running backs, they have been tremendous.
Powered by one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, the “Earth, Wind, and Fire” trio lead by Brandon Jacobs (680 yards, 5.2 yard per carry), Derrick Ward (437 yards, 6.1 yards per carry), and Ahmad Bradshaw (167 yards, 5.4 yards per carry), is leading a rushing attack that is averaging 162.6 yards per game. That’s second best in the NFL behind the Atlanta Falcons.
Derrick Ward put it best, “As a running back unit [we] set our goals high. We’re going to try our hardest to get every yard that we can go out there and get.”
Defensive Strategy
The Giants will have to contain nemesis running back Brian Westbrook. In his last three games against the G-Men, he has rushed for 354 yards and scored three touchdowns.
They also have to contain Donovan McNabb, who was 28–43 for 349 yards with two touchdowns in last Sunday’s thumping of the Seattle Seahawks.
Different from seasons past, where they relied solely on Brian Westbrook, the Eagles are throwing the ball to several receivers and are also getting a lot of production from rookie wide receiver DeSean Jackson. Jackson is currently the team’s leading receiver with 34 receptions for 525 yards.
In order to disrupt the Eagles attack, the Giants must penetrate the interior. It will be up to linemen Fred Robbins, Barry Cofield, and Justin Tuck (on passing downs) to get in McNabb’s face.
If the Giants bring their “A” game to Lincoln Financial Field, they can pull off the “W”.
QUICK FACTS:
Eagles head coach Andy Reid is 4–5 against the Giants since Tom Coughlin became their coach in 2004.
Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard (strained groin) will likely miss the Giants game. Look for the Giants to exploit his backup, Joselio Hanson, who is also playing with a strained hamstring, by throwing to Plaxico Burrress.
The Giants are unbeaten in the NFC East (2–0), have the best record in the NFC, and have won 11 of their last 12 games.
A win this Sunday would give the Giants a two game lead over the Washington Redskins and a three-game lead over both the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys.
