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Eagles-Giants preview
Giants: The Giants have moved guard David Diehl out to LT, and the jury's still out on whether he can get the job done in space against speedy NFL edge-rushers. He got burned by Redskins DE Andre Carter for a sack last week that resulted in an Eli Manning fumble.
PICK: EAGLES
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DEFENSE
Eagles
328 yards per game (18th)
Giants
368.7 yards per game (25th)
Defensive line
Eagles: The Eagles have an NFL-best 14 sacks, and this unit has racked up 13 of them, including five by high-motor DE Trent Cole. DT Brodrick Bunkley has become an unstoppable inside force who is going to require constant double-teams and will free things up for the DEs.
Giants: DE Michael Strahan spent the first two games trying to get back into football shape after missing the entire preseason. At 35, he's not the player he once was. Even though he's playing linebacker, Mathias Kiwanuka has been been lining up as a d-lineman in the nickel.
PICK: EAGLES
Linebacker
Eagles: Eagles have held their first three opponents to 3.5 yards per carry, and this unit's aggressive but disciplined play has been a big reason. SLB Chris Gocong will get his sternest coverage test when he takes on TE Jeremy Shockey, who has 15 receptions.
Giants: Mathias Kiwanuka has had some serious growing pains in trying to make the transition from DE to SLB. He plays the run fine, but has struggled in coverage. Opposing TEs already have 17 receptions vs. Giants, including four for touchdowns.
PICK: EAGLES
Secondary
Eagles: The Eagles' undersized corners have struggled against 6-5 Plaxico Burress. Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson probably will have 6-footer Will James shadow Burress most of the game, even if Lito Sheppard plays.
Giants: This unit is at the heart of the Giants' defensive problems. CBs Sam Madison, Corey Webster and R.W. McQuarters all have been picked on pretty good. Rookie first-rounder Aaron Ross replaced Webster in the second half vs. Washington last week and held his own.
PICK: EAGLES
