InReeseWeTrust.com: Key Players for the Week 3 Matchup of the New York Giants vs. the Philadelphia Eagles

By Author of Mario Manningham Facebook Fan Page - InReeseWeTrust.com 9/21/11

   On September 19^th of the 2011 NFL Season, the New York Giants improved their record to 1-1 with a win against the St. Louis Rams on Monday Night Football. The Big Blue Nation was starting to become concerned after we opened the season with a loss to the Washington Redskins. It’s imperative that the Giants defeat the Eagles in the upcoming week three. Certain players need to step up their game against the Eagles in order for us to receive a ‘W,’ in the win column. These players consist of DE Jason Pierre-Paul, CB Aaron Ross, and most importantly, QB Eli Manning. All of us can admit that the Eagles give the Giants a difficult game every year, especially last season. It’s the G-Men that will capture revenge this time!        

   To begin with, DE Jason Pierre Paul is a freak of nature (HT. 6-5 278 lbs). In 2010, J.P.P. was the 15^th pick in the 1^st round of the draft and he recorded 30 total tackles and 4.5 sacks as a rookie.  However, he seems to be quite inconsistent when it comes to producing huge plays. With DE Osi Umenyiora questionable for week 3 (knee), this former USF star needs to have a monumental day no matter who starts. During week 2, Eagles QB Michael Vick suffered a concussion on Sunday night against the Falcons.  If Vick does wind up playing, it’s extremely relevant that the Giants can force a pass rush on him. Pierre-Paul will be lining up opposite Justin Tuck on the D-line, so he will have some assistance. Health has never been an issue for Jason, learning the defensive play calls has.

   Equally Important, CB Aaron Ross has been somewhat of a disappointment since the Giants drafted him in 2007. Luckily for him, he was a part of the Giants team when they defeated the New England Patriots 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII. Ross hasn’t gone a season without an injury since 2007 and it clearly has taken a toll on his physical performance. This season, he has 6 total tackles and an enormous amount of blown coverage’s. When the Giants faced the Rams in week 2 on Monday night, Aaron Ross was benched in the 3^rd quarter by Coach Tom Coughlin because of his sluggish performance.  Therefore, there is no leeway for errors this week when the Giants & Eagles go to battle at 1:00pm on Sunday. The coverage needs to be tightened up and he has to comprehend that his shoulders can’t accomplish tackles for him. Maybe his presence on the benched awoke a sleeping “Giant.”

   In addition, QB Eli Manning is the final man on the list that is obligated to have a massive game against the Eagles in week 3.  Eli threw for an unforgettable 25 interceptions last year which led the NFL, but he did throw 31 passing touchdowns.  Manning is off to a rough start this year as well, completing 36/61 for 468 yards 2 TD’s and 2 interceptions. Current offensive line hasn’t protected him at all so far, which is why his stats are poor. When a quarterback senses pressure, his gut instinct is to chuck it or take the sack. Eli’s choice is to chuck it the majority of the time, which is why interceptions occur so often. Even though the O-line hasn’t gelled together entirely yet, Eli Manning shares the blame and has made questionable decisions that continue to keep fans wondering what he’s thinking.  Inaccuracy and timing are two crucial traits a quarterback needs to possess and he is having tough luck with both. The Eagles defense is always aware of what’s around them and they have a feel for where Eli might go. This is where watching film comes in handy for the 8^th year man from Mississippi.  It’s only week 3, but the Eagles are no slouches. In order for Eli to step up, he must be accurate with his passes, open-eyed with his vision, and his awareness for the defense has to be stronger than ever.

   In summary, the Giants can’t afford to fall to the Eagles this week. If they go 1-2, confidence will plunge early, attitudes will shift, and players will be moved around.  It may not appear to be a crucial game, but when you think about how the Redskins are 2-0 and the Eagles have a chance to put us 3^rd or 4^th in the division, parts of the team could become unglued. DE Jason Pierre-Paul, CB Aaron Ross, and QB Eli Manning are due for breakout performances this week.  The Giant’s won’t forget how last season ended, just keep that in mind. Go Giants!