Saturday, November 20, 2010

InReeseWeTrust.com Week 11 Game Preview: New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles

New York Giants (6-3) at Philadelphia Eagles (6-3), Sunday 8:20 p.m., Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
By Ben Kelly - InReeseWeTrust.com 11/20/10

What happened last week?
In Donovan McNabb’s second start against his former team, he witnessed the new heir apparent to Andy Reid’s West Coast offense torch the Redskins for 6 touchdowns and 59 total points, the most ever in a Monday night game. Vick passed for 333 yards and 4 scores and added 2 more touchdowns and 80 yards on the ground in one of the best quarterback performances of all time. Vick’s teammates contributed 180 yards on 30 carries for 592 net yards of offense. Philadelphia never trailed, scoring on an 88-yard touchdown on the first offensive play of the game. Defensively, Philadelphia allowed 375 yards to Washington’s 20th ranked offense, but the game was never in doubt with the Eagles leading 28-0 after the first quarter. This is the first matchup between the Giants and Eagles this season.

What to expect from Eagles:
Vick, Vick, and more Vick. Michael Vick is in contention for Comeback Player of the Year and MVP awards for leading the Eagles to the NFL’s third best offense (the Giants are second) and a career and league high 115.1 passer rating. Vick and the Philadelphia skill position players have the potential to score from anywhere on the field. Vick, who hasn’t thrown an interception this season, is second on the team in rushing to second-year running back LeSean McCoy. Young receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin are averaging 21.5 and 15.4 yards per reception, respectively. These Eagles also lead the league in takeaway differential at +1.2 per contest.

What to expect from the Giants:
Last week brought a humiliating home defeat to New York in the form of 1-7 Dallas and its interim head coach and backup quarterback. The loss ended the Giants’ five-game win streak, and Giants players must look to move on from the setback. It is possible New York was looking ahead to Philadelphia. The winner of this game will claim first place in the East and an early tiebreaker in what is becoming a two horse race for the division crown. New York progressed steadily from a 1-2 start to the most balanced offensive and defensive attack in the NFC. What doomed Washington last week was their inability to contain Michael Vick using defensive linemen, often having to send a 5th or 6th rusher, which opened the field for Eagles’ receivers. This won’t be the case against the Giants, who can pressure the pocket with a deep rotation at defensive line that will free up the line backing corps and secondary to spy against Vick’s mobility and clog throwing lanes. As Justin Tuck acknowledged this week, a good way to motivate a defense is to applaud the opposing offense in excess, and think about it: where haven’t you heard how dominant Vick and the Eagles offense was last week? And how they are a Super Bowl contender after this recent performance? And how they’re offense in unstoppable? Kind of reminds one of the 2007 New England Patriots…

Prediction:
In last season’s final matchup between the Eagles and Giants, the Eagles won a 45-38 shootout that featured multiple lead changes. The quarterback in Philadelphia then was Donovan McNabb, but I expect a similar game to play out. In today’s NFL, when two of the league’s top offenses and defenses face each other, the trend has been towards the offense. New York is coming off an embarrassing home defeat; Philadelphia returns home after an invigorating beat down of the rival Redskins. Each team in this game has their own motivations; New York needs to prove last week was a fluke while the Eagles are out to duplicate their destruction. In shootouts, the game often comes down to which defense can make the final push or key turnover. The Giants’ defense is more experienced than Philadelphia’s and determined to shut down, or at least defeat the Wonderful Mr. Vick. New York wins, 46-37. 

Last week’s prediction: Giants 35, Dallas 20 (20-33 actual)
Season prediction record: 7-2
What’s YOUR score?

NFL Lines: New York Giants Getting Three Points Against Philadelphia Eagles

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 14:  Kevin Boss #89 and Hakeem Nicks #88 of the New York Giants look on against the Dallas Cowboys on November 14, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Cowboys defeated the Giants 33-20.  (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
By Jimmy Boyd - Bleacher Report 11/20/10

Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Giants: Position-by-Position Matchup Preview

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 13:  LeSean McCoy #29 of the Philadelphia Eagles is tackled by Corey Webster #23 of the New York Giants at Giants Stadium on December 13, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
By Darren Grossman - Bleacher Report 11/20/10

New York Giants Seek Redemption in the City of Brotherly Love

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By Ronald Monestime - Bleacher Report 11/20/10

Andrews Adds to Giants' Uncertainty

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Former Eagle Shawn Andrews (73) is determined to play Sunday against the Eagles despite a sore back.
By Aditi Kinkhawala - Wall Street Journal 11/20/10

Giants defense will try to contain Eagles' Vick

SACK ATTACK: The Giants’ defensive line, led by Osi Umenyiora (left) and Justin Tuck is planning to come up big against Michael Vick and the Eagles tomorrow night in Philadelphia.
SACK ATTACK: The Giants’ defensive line, led by Osi Umenyiora (left) and Justin Tuck is planning to come up big against Michael Vick and the Eagles tomorrow night in Philadelphia.
By Bart Hubbuch - NY Post 11/20/10

Rallying cry: Blue, let the dogs out

¦BITE NIGHT: The Giants, who have been growling at quarterbacks all season, will try to give Michael Vick the same kind of treatment Jonathan Goff gave the Bears’ Todd Collins (inset) earlier this season.
BITE NIGHT: The Giants, who have been growling at quarterbacks all season, will try to give Michael Vick the same kind of treatment Jonathan Goff gave the Bears’ Todd Collins (inset) earlier this season.
By Steve Serby - NY Post 11/20/10

Shawn Andrews works to put injuries behind him, is eager to face ex-Eagles teammates with Giants

After he's released by the Philadelphia Eagles, the Giants sign left tackle Shawn Andrews to a six-year contract that could be worth as much as $32.5 million.
By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 11/20/10

David Diehl will miss Sunday's game against Eagles; Will Beatty will get shot at left tackle

With David Diehl out for a second week, Will Beatty or Shawn Andrews will fill in at left tackle.
By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 11/20/10

As rematch with Eagles nears, Giants LT Shawn Andrews status uncertain with back injury

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Giants tackle Shawn Andrews may not be able to play in Sunday night's matchup with his former team, the Eagles, because of a back injury.By Zach Berman - Star Ledger 11/20/10

As Giants offensive line moves on, injured David Diehl 'going crazy' sitting on the sidelines

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Giants tackle David Diehl is still out with an injury, keeping him from being part of the team's preparations for the Eagles on Sunday night.
By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 11/20/10

A look ahead to Giants-Eagles on Sunday night

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If the Giants plan on pulling off a minor upset against the Eagles, they'll need a big game from right tackle Kareem McKenzie against Philly defensive end Juqua Parker.
By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 11/19/10

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