Westbrook's versatility gives Eagles the edge at home
By Matt Williamson
Scouts Inc.
Friday, November 7, 2008
<table id="inlinetable" border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr><th colspan="9" style="background-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" align="center">New York at Philadelphia</th></tr><tr><td colspan="2" align="center">
</td><td colspan="5" align="center">When: 8:15 PM ET
Watch: NBC
Preview
More scouting reports: Week 10
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</th></tr><tr><th style="background-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" colspan="9">Scouts Inc. Position Advantage</th></tr><tr><td style="background-color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" align="center" width="62">QB</td><td style="background-color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" align="center" width="62">RB</td><td style="background-color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" align="center" width="62">WR</td><td style="background-color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" align="center" width="62">OL</td><td style="background-color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" align="center" width="62">DL</td><td style="background-color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" align="center" width="62">LB</td><td style="background-color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" align="center" width="62">DB</td><td style="background-color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" align="center" width="62">ST</td><td style="background-color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" align="center" width="62">Coach</td></tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(236, 236, 236);" valign="top"><td align="center" width="62">
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</td></tr></tbody></table>The Giants had their way with divisional rival Dallas after squeaking out a very tough win on the road in Pittsburgh during Week 8. Obviously, the Super Bowl champions are a very strong football team once again this year, but their grind doesn't get any easier this week as they travel to Philadelphia. The Eagles went cross country to Seattle and took care of business by utterly dominating the time of possession and just about every phase of the game. They are healthier than they have been all year and could be primed for a very strong second half of the season. This should be an exceptional NFC East matchup on Sunday night.
When New York has the ball
The Giants feature an incredibly balanced offense that can attack a defense in any way they see fit. Offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride does a nice job of identifying and exposing defensive weaknesses and certainly isn't bashful about going at that weakness. The Giants have been terrific on first downs, which obviously makes second and third down far more manageable. This offense is also exceptional to start games. Both will be of extreme importance this week in Philadelphia, because getting behind in a hostile environment or getting themselves into third-and-long situations would play right into the Eagles' hands. In the run game, only Atlanta is averaging more rushing yards per game, as Giants ball carriers are averaging a whopping 5.2 yards per carry. Meanwhile, the Eagles allow just 3.5 yards per rush -- so something has to give this week, but do not expect New York to abandon the running game. QB Eli Manning has only been sacked nine times this year, but three came last week. The Eagles had four sacks last week and have done a very nice job of getting after opposing quarterbacks all year. WR Plaxico Burress has struggled lately, but he is still a threat. Meanwhile, WR Steve Smith has led the team in receptions the last three games and excels on third down. However, the Eagles disguise their coverages very well and the corners are good in press coverage, which makes getting off the line of scrimmage difficult. This phase of the game pits strength versus strength.
When Philadelphia has the ball
Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo learned his trade from Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson. The Giants consistently mix coverages on the backend and utilize a wide variety of multiple pressure schemes. Spagnuolo is not afraid to put a lot of pressure on his cornerbacks, Aaron Ross and Corey Webster, because stopping the run and applying pressure on opposing quarterbacks are the Giants' primary goals. This translates to taking some chances on the backend. However, the Giants pass-rushing skills are so good, Webster and Ross generally are not forced to spend an inordinate amount of time in coverage. Clearly this has been very successful.
The Eagles are now deep at wide receiver and we should see a fair amount of three- and four-receiver sets to challenge the depth of New York's secondary. Eagles QB Donovan McNabb doesn't run nearly as often as he once did, but still shows good athletic ability and is smart about deciding when to tuck the ball and run. He could be especially effective in this capacity when Philadelphia spreads the field. TE Brent Celek caught six passes for 131 yards last week and has good long speed to stretch the seam. However, the Giants are exceptional at stopping opposing tight ends. The Eagles have a heavy offensive line and their ordinary quickness could be exposed by the games and stunts the Giants' defensive line use. New York's unheralded set of defensive tackles, Fred Robbins and Barry Cofield, push the pocket without allowing room for opposing quarterbacks to step up and also are very strong against the interior run. They allow the Giants' edge-rushers to receive more single blocking and also keep the quarterback within reach.
<table id="inlinetable" border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1" width="100%"> <tbody><tr><th style="background-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Matchup to watch</th> </tr><tr valign="middle"> <td align="center"> <table border="0" cellpadding="6"> <tbody><tr> <td>
</td> <td>Eagles RT Jon Runyan vs. Giants DE Justin Tuck</td> <td>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> <tr valign="top"> <td> Runyan and former Giants' LDE Michael Strahan used to have epic battles and Runyan surely was happy to see his long-time nemesis retire this past offseason. However, his job didn't get any easier. Tuck is a mad man and playing at an extremely high level right now. He is nearly unblockable and can beat his opponent in just about any way he seems fit. He is excellent versus the run, as an edge-rusher and bringing heat up the middle. Tuck's lateral quickness, intensity and will to make plays are unmatched. Runyan is still a solid right tackle and has put together an excellent career, but he is at a major disadvantage versus Tuck. </td></tr> </tbody></table>
Keys to
Success
<!--N.Y. Giants Keys To Success
--> 1Control the clock: This is of the utmost importance in Philadelphia. The Eagles have a very dangerous offense and keeping them sidelined is New York's best chance at victory. By controlling the tempo, the Giants should wear down a smaller Eagles defensive line. It won't be easy against a very stout defense, but the Giants certainly are capable of pounding it out on the road. The usually assignment-sound Giants blockers will have to be on top of their games from a mental perspective because Philadelphia's defensive front is very active and does a great job with their twists and stunts. C Shaun O'Hara isn't the most athletic guy, but he is very crafty and consistently gets the job done while also adeptly making all the line calls.
2Get Ward and Bradshaw involved: RB Brandon Jacobs is a fine player and has a unique skill set that New York utilizes extremely well, but getting Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw involved this week would also be prudent. The contribution of Ward cannot be overlooked. Not only does he consistently produce while Jacobs is getting a breather, but his versatility allows the Giants more options. Meanwhile, Bradshaw has a home-run-hitting ability that the others lack. If Ward and Jacobs consistently pound on Philadelphia's defensive front, some alleys might open up late in the game for Bradshaw.
3Protection from Boss: Philadelphia is a tough place to play and can get very loud. It will be difficult for the Giants' offensive tackles to get off the snap promptly. LT David Diehl and RT Kareem McKenzie's both have problems with pure speed rushers off the edge, which plays to DE Trent Cole's strengths. But TE Kevin Boss is a very solid blocker and should spend a lot of time on Cole's side of the field. Philadelphia has had a very difficult time with opposing tight ends, but getting Boss into routes this week may prove difficult.
Keys to
Success
<!--Philadelphia Keys To Success
--> 1Get it to Westbrook: The Eagles need to get star RB Brian Westbrook a lot of touches in this matchup -- both as a ball carrier and as a receiver. His ability to pressure a defense and alter personnel is unmatched in the league. He has injuries to his ribs and ankle, but continues to play at a very high level that few players at his position in this league can match. Philadelphia needs Westbrook's best game this week against the Super Bowl champs. While the Eagles now have their full array of pass-catchers, they also need a running game to make the offense go.
2Get it in the end zone: Like last year, the Eagles are struggling when they get near the end zone. They lack a big, strong wideout and a true fullback. Plus, TE L.J. Smith has underachieved. They do have a massive offensive line, talented runner and mobile quarterback -- but they don't have a bread-and-butter play in this area of the field. The Eagles actually scored on a lineman-eligible play last week, but such deception is unlikely to yield points against the Giants. In a game of this magnitude, settling for too many field goals could be a recipe for defeat.
3Force Giants to pass: The Eagles have an excellent run defense and if they can get up early on the scoreboard, they might be able to get the Giants into a position where they are forced to throw more than they would like. While the Giants' passing game is nearly as lethal as the rushing attack, this would be a huge advantage for Philadelphia. Johnson would then unleash his exotic blitz packages. Manning has thrown an interception in only three games this season, but he has a history of turning the ball over. Johnson will bring pressure from all levels and Manning will have to be especially wary of corner and safety blitzes.
Scouts Edge
This should be an exceptional football game between two of the NFL's heavyweights and making decisions on the Scouts Inc. Advantage proved challenging. Picking against the Giants is very difficult to do and while they very well could be the league's best team right now, we expect them to fall in Philadelphia. The Eagles have home field advantage and are healthier than they have been in some time. It will be a close, hard-fought battle, but we like the Eagles to squeak this one out and make the NFC East race just a little more interesting. <table id="inlinetable" border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr><th colspan="2" style="background-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Prediction</th></tr><tr valign="top"><td align="center">
</td><td valign="middle" width="100%">New York 17
Philadelphia 20</td></tr></tbody></table>
By Matt Williamson
Scouts Inc.
Friday, November 7, 2008
<table id="inlinetable" border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr><th colspan="9" style="background-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" align="center">New York at Philadelphia</th></tr><tr><td colspan="2" align="center">
</td><td colspan="5" align="center">When: 8:15 PM ETWatch: NBC
Preview
More scouting reports: Week 10
</td><td colspan="2" align="center">
</td></tr><tr><th colspan="9" style="background-color: rgb(236, 236, 236);">
When New York has the ball
The Giants feature an incredibly balanced offense that can attack a defense in any way they see fit. Offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride does a nice job of identifying and exposing defensive weaknesses and certainly isn't bashful about going at that weakness. The Giants have been terrific on first downs, which obviously makes second and third down far more manageable. This offense is also exceptional to start games. Both will be of extreme importance this week in Philadelphia, because getting behind in a hostile environment or getting themselves into third-and-long situations would play right into the Eagles' hands. In the run game, only Atlanta is averaging more rushing yards per game, as Giants ball carriers are averaging a whopping 5.2 yards per carry. Meanwhile, the Eagles allow just 3.5 yards per rush -- so something has to give this week, but do not expect New York to abandon the running game. QB Eli Manning has only been sacked nine times this year, but three came last week. The Eagles had four sacks last week and have done a very nice job of getting after opposing quarterbacks all year. WR Plaxico Burress has struggled lately, but he is still a threat. Meanwhile, WR Steve Smith has led the team in receptions the last three games and excels on third down. However, the Eagles disguise their coverages very well and the corners are good in press coverage, which makes getting off the line of scrimmage difficult. This phase of the game pits strength versus strength.
When Philadelphia has the ball
Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo learned his trade from Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson. The Giants consistently mix coverages on the backend and utilize a wide variety of multiple pressure schemes. Spagnuolo is not afraid to put a lot of pressure on his cornerbacks, Aaron Ross and Corey Webster, because stopping the run and applying pressure on opposing quarterbacks are the Giants' primary goals. This translates to taking some chances on the backend. However, the Giants pass-rushing skills are so good, Webster and Ross generally are not forced to spend an inordinate amount of time in coverage. Clearly this has been very successful.
The Eagles are now deep at wide receiver and we should see a fair amount of three- and four-receiver sets to challenge the depth of New York's secondary. Eagles QB Donovan McNabb doesn't run nearly as often as he once did, but still shows good athletic ability and is smart about deciding when to tuck the ball and run. He could be especially effective in this capacity when Philadelphia spreads the field. TE Brent Celek caught six passes for 131 yards last week and has good long speed to stretch the seam. However, the Giants are exceptional at stopping opposing tight ends. The Eagles have a heavy offensive line and their ordinary quickness could be exposed by the games and stunts the Giants' defensive line use. New York's unheralded set of defensive tackles, Fred Robbins and Barry Cofield, push the pocket without allowing room for opposing quarterbacks to step up and also are very strong against the interior run. They allow the Giants' edge-rushers to receive more single blocking and also keep the quarterback within reach.
<table id="inlinetable" border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1" width="100%"> <tbody><tr><th style="background-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Matchup to watch</th> </tr><tr valign="middle"> <td align="center"> <table border="0" cellpadding="6"> <tbody><tr> <td>
Keys to
Success
<!--N.Y. Giants Keys To Success
--> 1Control the clock: This is of the utmost importance in Philadelphia. The Eagles have a very dangerous offense and keeping them sidelined is New York's best chance at victory. By controlling the tempo, the Giants should wear down a smaller Eagles defensive line. It won't be easy against a very stout defense, but the Giants certainly are capable of pounding it out on the road. The usually assignment-sound Giants blockers will have to be on top of their games from a mental perspective because Philadelphia's defensive front is very active and does a great job with their twists and stunts. C Shaun O'Hara isn't the most athletic guy, but he is very crafty and consistently gets the job done while also adeptly making all the line calls.
2Get Ward and Bradshaw involved: RB Brandon Jacobs is a fine player and has a unique skill set that New York utilizes extremely well, but getting Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw involved this week would also be prudent. The contribution of Ward cannot be overlooked. Not only does he consistently produce while Jacobs is getting a breather, but his versatility allows the Giants more options. Meanwhile, Bradshaw has a home-run-hitting ability that the others lack. If Ward and Jacobs consistently pound on Philadelphia's defensive front, some alleys might open up late in the game for Bradshaw.
3Protection from Boss: Philadelphia is a tough place to play and can get very loud. It will be difficult for the Giants' offensive tackles to get off the snap promptly. LT David Diehl and RT Kareem McKenzie's both have problems with pure speed rushers off the edge, which plays to DE Trent Cole's strengths. But TE Kevin Boss is a very solid blocker and should spend a lot of time on Cole's side of the field. Philadelphia has had a very difficult time with opposing tight ends, but getting Boss into routes this week may prove difficult.
Keys to
Success
<!--Philadelphia Keys To Success
--> 1Get it to Westbrook: The Eagles need to get star RB Brian Westbrook a lot of touches in this matchup -- both as a ball carrier and as a receiver. His ability to pressure a defense and alter personnel is unmatched in the league. He has injuries to his ribs and ankle, but continues to play at a very high level that few players at his position in this league can match. Philadelphia needs Westbrook's best game this week against the Super Bowl champs. While the Eagles now have their full array of pass-catchers, they also need a running game to make the offense go.
2Get it in the end zone: Like last year, the Eagles are struggling when they get near the end zone. They lack a big, strong wideout and a true fullback. Plus, TE L.J. Smith has underachieved. They do have a massive offensive line, talented runner and mobile quarterback -- but they don't have a bread-and-butter play in this area of the field. The Eagles actually scored on a lineman-eligible play last week, but such deception is unlikely to yield points against the Giants. In a game of this magnitude, settling for too many field goals could be a recipe for defeat.
3Force Giants to pass: The Eagles have an excellent run defense and if they can get up early on the scoreboard, they might be able to get the Giants into a position where they are forced to throw more than they would like. While the Giants' passing game is nearly as lethal as the rushing attack, this would be a huge advantage for Philadelphia. Johnson would then unleash his exotic blitz packages. Manning has thrown an interception in only three games this season, but he has a history of turning the ball over. Johnson will bring pressure from all levels and Manning will have to be especially wary of corner and safety blitzes.
Scouts Edge
This should be an exceptional football game between two of the NFL's heavyweights and making decisions on the Scouts Inc. Advantage proved challenging. Picking against the Giants is very difficult to do and while they very well could be the league's best team right now, we expect them to fall in Philadelphia. The Eagles have home field advantage and are healthier than they have been in some time. It will be a close, hard-fought battle, but we like the Eagles to squeak this one out and make the NFC East race just a little more interesting. <table id="inlinetable" border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr><th colspan="2" style="background-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Prediction</th></tr><tr valign="top"><td align="center">
</td><td valign="middle" width="100%">New York 17Philadelphia 20</td></tr></tbody></table>
Something smells fishy
if the giants are the better team, then why not make them the favorite...after all they are the SB champs right? and all through the seaon they have been the fav, and now they are dogs? even +3 dogs? come man.... take the eagles... After the phillies victory parade, we'll also have another party.... a victory parade for the eagles to knock off the SB champs...
if the giants are the better team, then why not make them the favorite...after all they are the SB champs right? and all through the seaon they have been the fav, and now they are dogs? even +3 dogs? come man.... take the eagles... After the phillies victory parade, we'll also have another party.... a victory parade for the eagles to knock off the SB champs...
