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Eagles-Giants scouting report
Eagles-Giants scouting report
Defense
Eagles: 280.4 yards per game (5th)
Giants: 260.4 yards per game (3rd)
Defensive line
Eagles: Jim Johnson seldom uses starting tackles Mike Patterson and Brodrick Bunkley in his passing-down packages, which has kept them fresh to play the run. Look for LE Juqua Parker to play less and bigger Victor Abiamiri to play more against the Giants' potent run game.
Giants: Michael Strahan's retirement and Osi Umenyiora's season-ending injury should have devastated this unit, but hasn't. Defensive boss Steve Spagnuolo moved Mathias Kiwanuka back to RE from SLB and the pass rush has been as lethal as ever. LE Jason Tuck (team-high eight sacks) moves inside on passing downs.
PICK: GIANTS
Linebacker
Eagles: This unit has 13 of the team's 30 tackles for losses, 5 1/2 sacks and three fumble recoveries. Those sacks are 3 1/2 more than they had all of last year. They've been solid against the run as the Eagles have allowed more than 86 rushing yards just twice. The LBs must be alert for play-action.
Giants: MLB Antonio Pierce is a sideline-to-sideline player with Pro Bowl skills. SLB Danny Clark is an adequate replacement for departed Kawika Mitchell. Chase Blackburn, who has replaced injured Gerris Wilkinson at WILL, is better suited for MIKE or SAM. Eagles might be able to exploit him in the passing game.
PICK: EAGLES
Secondary
Eagles: Eagles' height-challenged corners have not matched up very well against 6-5 Plaxico Burress, who has 36 catches and six TDs in seven games vs. Birds as a Giant. Perhaps Asante Samuel will have better luck. SS Quintin Mikell (92 tackles) has played a big role in the Eagles' success vs. the run.
Giants: The Giants have nine interceptions in the last three games after recording just two in the first five. CBs Aaron Ross and Corey Webster have developed into a reliable pair of cover men. SS James Butler injured his knee last week vs. Cowboys and may not play.
PICK: EVEN
Special teams
Eagles: PR DeSean Jackson (2nd in NFC) and KR Quintin Demps (6th) won't have the operating room against the Giants they had in Seattle. P Sav Rocca is 4th in the league in net average; he has just one touchback and 14 punts inside the 20 in 37 attempts. PK David Akers has converted his last nine FG attempts.
Giants: Giants' coverage units are among the best in the league. They're tied for second in kickoff coverage (20.1) and third in punt coverage (5.4). Ageless P Jeff Feagles has had just 11 of his 30 punts returned. PK John Carney has converted 18 of 19 FG attempts, but has been scary short with his kickoffs.
PICK: EVEN
Hot and not
