Philadelphia Eagles (9-4) at New York Giants (9-4), 1 p.m. Eastern at New Meadowlands Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
By Ben Kelly & Nick Kelly - InReeseWeTrust.com 12/19/10
What happened last week?
The Eagles’ offense took control early in the second half and didn’t let go, putting the Cowboys away in Arlington 30-27. The Cowboys (4-9), up 20-14 in the middle of third, couldn’t keep Desean Jackson and Lesean McCoy at bay with both playmakers springing loose for big gains late in the game. Jackson’s explosive play totaled 210 yds and TD on only 4 catches, incuding a 91 yard score, and McCoy rushed for a career-high 149 yds, much of it coming late in a clock-killing fashion the Cowboys were hopeless to stop. Eagles’ QB Michael Vick was effective and productive, but was picked twice to his two TDs and 210 of his 270 yds came on the four completions to Jackson. When the Eagles needed yards they found ways, and effectively beat the Cowboys into submission with a power run game late. Defensively, the Eagles held Dallas to 5.8 yds/play and 110 total rushing, with the Cowboys converting only 3/11 third down conversions. Cowboys QB Jon Kitna was picked twice but also threw two TDs.
What to expect from Philadelphia?
Some significant injury question marks for the Eagles are worth mentioning. Desean Jackson, visibly hobbled against Dallas (though not hurting his productivity, apparently) and is listed as questionable with a foot injury, as is CB Asante Samuel with a knee injury. The Eagles lost LB Stewart Bradley for Sunday, which will be good news for Giants fans looking for more out of Jacobs and Bradshaw than their week 11 meeting in Philly. Vick, who some say has been somewhat “figured out” in the weeks past since last playing the Giants, has still been highly productive. Jackson’s health and availability will have an impact on the Eagles’ explosive play ability, as Jackson is one of the most dangers wideouts in the league. If limited, expect the Eagles to rely more on McCoy, who had 140 total yds and TD in week 11, and their highly effective screen game. Even without Jackson, the Eagles have no shortage of weapons, as evidenced by Jeremy Maclin’s nine-catch, 120-yard performance against the Giants earlier this season. Expect Philly to spread the wealth and for Vick to hit the Giants for a few big plays and escape a pass rush to extend several series with his legs.
What to expect from the Giants?
The G-Men have been dominant recently, and held opponents to just 13 points over their last 10 quarters, though those opponents (Jaguars, Redskins, Vikings) are hardly the offensive juggernaut that the Eagles have become with Vick at the helm. The Giants D dominated a hapless Vikings offense run by Tavaris Jackson last week, but they dominated nonetheless, also holding Adrian Peterson to a paltry 26 yards on 14 carries. The Giants have shown the ability to slow the Eagles’ attack and disrupt Vick’s play; they should be able to pressure the pocket as well as they did in week 11. Hopefully Eli Manning will be able to start this game as smoothly as he has finished the last several, but he was picked three times in his last game against Philly. He should be helped by a resurgent running game, led by a 2007-esque Brandon Jacobs and a post-slump Ahmad Bradshaw.
Prediction:
These teams know each other well, and the short week for the Giants should not affect their ability to game plan for what is probably their biggest game of the season. A Giants win would give them first place in the NFC East, and an Eagles win would further secure their place at the top of the division. The week 11 meeting ended in a 27-17 Eagles W, but the score did not tell the entire story. The Giants kept it close for most of the game, but shot themselves in the foot with 5 turnovers, including three Manning interceptions and two lost Bradshaw fumbles (he fumbled four times total). Manning has shown he can play at an elite level when he needs to, and the Giants certainly need him to with Steve Smith out for the year and a patched together receiving corps(e) struggling with injuries. However, Andy Reid is not to be underestimated. The Eagles have had the Giants’ number recently, riding a five-game win streak against the G-Men and need a win almost as badly as New York. The Giants pass rush will be as fearsome as ever, with an emerging Jason Pierre-Paul contributing his share of hurries as the G-Men will look to hit Vick every chance they get. Knocking out Vick could be the name of the game, but if the Giants fail to get to him it could be a long day in the Meadowlands. The Giants come out on top with a big effort from Jacobs early, Bradshaw late, and an efficient Eli Manning hooking up with Hakeem Nicks for a TD and 90 yards. Giants 24-20.
Last Week’s Prediction: 27-20 Giants (20-3 actual)
Season prediction record: 10-3
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