Eagles-Giants preview
Recent history: The Eagles defeated the Giants, 23-20, in a wild-card playoff game at the Linc last January. The Giants lead the series, 79-68-2
OFFENSE
Eagles
386.3 yards per game (7th)
Giants
359.3 yards per game (10th)
Quarterback
Eagles: Donovan McNabb shed his knee brace last week and had the best game of his career. In his last four games vs. the Giants, McNabb has a 68.8 completion percentage, has averaged 9.0 yards per attempt and has thrown nine touchdowns and no interceptions in 138 attempts.
Giants: The Giants seem to be using a lot more shotgun this season, which gives Eli Manning a chance to see the field better. He's a streaky passer who can pick you apart if you don't get pressure on him. Eagles will try to lay some licks on him early.
PICK: EAGLES
Running back
Eagles: Brian Westbrook has accounted for an astounding 44 percent of the Eagles' net offensive yards in the first three games. Last week, he played through a knee strain. This week it's an abdominal strain, which could have an impact on his change-of-direction ability.
Giants: With Brandon Jacobs out since Week 1 with an MCL sprain, Derrick Ward has been the Giants' feature back and has played very well, averaging 5.1 yards. Ward has decent size (5-11, 228), but doesn't really play big. Reuben Droughns has been used mainly in short-yardage situations.
PICK: EAGLES
Receiver
Eagles: Opposing tight ends have taken advantage of Giants SLB Mathias Kiwanuka's inexperience in coverage. But the Eagles' best pass-catching TE, L.J. Smith, is on the shelf. Reggie Brown has just five catches in the first three games, but had 11 for 150 yards in the last two meetings with the Giants.
Giants: Plaxico Burress has played through a sore ankle and already has caught five touchdowns. He victimized the Eagles last season, utilizing his size vs. their small corners to catch 17 passes for 323 yards and three TDs in the three meetings.
PICK: GIANTS
Offensive line
Eagles: After subpar performances in the first two games, this unit played well last week as the Eagles notched 536 yards and 29 first downs vs. Lions. LT William Thomas is nursing an MCL knee sprain, which could force the Eagles to give him blocking help on cat-quick end Osi Umenyiora.
