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Philadelphia vs. New York preview
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Two familiar opponents square off Sunday with Philadelphia traveling down the turnpike to take on the Super Bowl champion Giants. This will be the rubber match game with both teams winning on the road against each other this season. The Eagles are being compared to last year’s Giants team that shocked the world as a wild card entry ending up with a championship against the previously undefeated Patriots.
There will be no surprises for either team with so much film on each other so execution and taking advantage of match ups will be the key to this game. For the Giants, they will try and smash the ball with powerhouse running back Brandon Jacobs and their solid offensive line. Derrick Ward will come in as a change of pace back to spell Jacobs with both backs going over the 1,000 yard mark this season. If the running game gets going look for Eli Manning to take advantage of one on one coverage on the outside as the Eagles will load eight in the box to try and slow down the ground game.
While WR Plaxico Burress’ absence will be felt, Domenik Hixon has the speed to go deep and veteran Amani Toomer is solid underneath. Manning and the Giants won’t change their game plan even without Burress so expect New York to look for some big plays down the field.
For the Eagles, it all starts and ends with running back Brian Westbrook. He has killed the Giants in the past and this year had a career high 33 carries against New York in Philly’s 20-14 win at Giants Stadium. The Eagles are the only team that has won in the Meadowlands this year. QB Donovan McNabb is always dangerous but if Westbrook is not a factor it will allow the Giants defense to tee off although they did not register one sack this season against the Eagles.
Defensively, both teams bring an aggressive attacking style defense. The Giants will focus on Westbrook just as the Eagles will on Jacobs. Look for a high intensity game as these bitter NFC East rivals would love nothing more than to dash any championship hopes for each other. If either team is able to slow down the rushing attack then Manning and McNabb may be running for their lives.
Prediction: The Giants are at home and rested and seem upset about the Eagles victory back in December in the Meadowlands. Jacobs has been raring to go and is finally healthy after dealing with a knee injury since early in the season. When Jacobs last met the Eagles he ran at will and look for that again this weekend. The Giants rushing game along with Manning’s calm influence should fly past the birds for the victory.
Score: Giants 21 - 13
