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Scouting the Eagles and the Giants

Both game plans are likely still fresh for this game. The Eagles and Giants played on Oct. 6, when Nick Foles relieved Michael Vick in a 36-21 win at MetLife Stadium to keep the Giants winless.

Eagles running back LeSean McCoy leaps over the Giants' Trumaine McBride. (Kathy Willens/AP)
Eagles running back LeSean McCoy leaps over the Giants' Trumaine McBride. (Kathy Willens/AP)Read more

Both game plans are likely still fresh for this game. The Eagles and Giants played on Oct. 6, when Nick Foles relieved Michael Vick in a 36-21 win at MetLife Stadium to keep the Giants winless.

Vick will be back for Sunday's game, and the Giants have since recorded their first victory. The winless streak to watch now is the one at Lincoln Financial Field, where the Eagles have not won since beating the Giants last September. The losing streak has lasted nine games.

There have been some roster changes since the last meeting, and injuries are always a factor. Adjustments will be made based on what both teams did earlier this month, but Eagles coach Chip Kelly warned about overthinking it.

"I think can you stay up late at night going, 'They did this last game, and we did this, and they know that we did this, so we need to change because we think they're going to do that,' " Kelly said. "But they're in the same room saying the same exact thing. . . . At the end of the day, it's still, we're going to do what we do, and they're going to do what they do. Whoever executes the best will win the football game."

When the Eagles run

The Eagles need a better performance from running back LeSean McCoy, who said last week's game was the worst he's played since his rookie season. It doesn't help that the Giants shut down McCoy in the second half of the first meeting, keeping McCoy from even gaining a yard once Nick Foles entered the game. Vick gashed the Giants in the last game for 79 first-half rushing yards, and the Eagles should hope the Giants keep an eye on No. 7 and give McCoy more space. The Giants shut down Adrian Peterson last week, so their confidence will be high. They'll have run-stuffing defensive tackle Linval Joseph, who was hurt for the first game, and recently acquired middle linebacker Jon Beason. But they'll likely be without defensive tackle Shaun Rogers, who excelled against the Eagles. It's unknown how well Vick will be able to move, but he can be a major part of the rushing offense.

EDGE: EVEN

When the Eagles pass

The passing game struggled with Foles last week, although it looked sharp when Foles played the previous two weeks. Vick must be a more efficient passer - after completing more than 60 percent of his passes during the first two games, he has been below 52 percent in each game since. Vick has proven he can connect with DeSean Jackson this season, and Jason Avant has been a security blanket for Vick. But Riley Cooper was seldom involved when Vick was in the lineup, and the tight ends also have not played as big a role as expected. Pay attention to the involvement of Cooper, Brent Celek, and Zach Ertz. The Giants have the No. 20 pass defense in the NFL. They have not sacked the quarterback as frequently as in past seasons, but Jason Pierre-Paul and Justin Tuck remain a formidable combination. The secondary might miss starting cornerback Corey Webster, who is questionable with a groin injury. The Eagles had success passing on the Giants in the first meeting with Jackson's performance (seven catches, 132 yards, one touchdown) the biggest factor.

EDGE: EVEN

When the Giants run

The Giants rushing offense has been a major weakness this season. David Wilson was never the threat they expected, and their rushing attack suffered even more when Wilson left against the Eagles with an injury. Brandon Jacobs is doubtful, so expect a heavy dose of Peyton Hillis. The 250-pound running back rushed for only 36 yards on 18 carries last week, but he had five catches for 45 yards. Hillis is a strong, downhill runner who will benefit from another week in the system. The Eagles rush defense was strong last weekend, although the Cowboys similarly lacked a rushing threat. DeMeco Ryans had perhaps his finest game as an Eagle last week, and he's crucial against the run. Defensive lineman Cedric Thornton is questionable with a knee injury. Thornton is having a standout season on the Eagles line.

EDGE: EAGLES

When the Giants pass

The Eagles will try to keep the Giants from going deep. That was a focus in the last game, and it will remain a priority. Eli Manning throws one of the NFL's best deep balls, and Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz, and Reuben Randle are all threats. Nicks had a big game against the Eagles (nine catches, 142 yards), and he's especially dangerous on back-shoulder throws. Both Cary Williams and Bradley Fletcher will draw that assignment. Fletcher missed time this past week with a knee injury, but he will play Sunday. Cruz was limited to five catches for 48 yards, and Brandon Boykin must again rise to the challenge. Manning has been prone to interceptions this season - he has 15 in seven games, and threw three in the last Eagles game - but last week's victory over Minnesota was his first game without a turnover this season. The Eagles need to hope that's not a trend, because turnovers can shift this game just as it did the last one. The Eagles sacked Manning once, but they pressured him throughout the afternoon. The Giants offensive line is missing two key players: Chris Snee and David Baas.

EDGE: GIANTS

Special teams

The Giants have struggled on special teams all season. In last week's game, they allowed an 86-yard punt return and a 69-yard kickoff return. The Eagles haven't been stellar on special teams, but they've been better than the Giants. They could use more production from returner Damaris Johnson, who has not worried teams. Emmanuel Acho, who was signed off the Giants practice squad this past week, will likely have a role for the Eagles.

EDGE: EAGLES

Intangibles

The Eagles have lost nine consecutive home games, so there is not much of a home-field advantage. The Giants are trying to generate momentum, although a loss could end any slim hope of rebounding this season and might prompt them to make a trade at this week's deadline.

EDGE: EVEN

Predictions

Zach Berman: Eagles 28, Giants 24

Jeff McLane: Giants 28, Eagles 27