Scouting the Eagles and Giants

The Eagles' rushing game finally picked up steam last week, when they rushed for 145 yards and 4.4 yards per carry. The return of Lane Johnson helped, and Darren Sproles was a major contributor. The Eagles need more from LeSean McCoy, who has not averaged more than 4 yards per carry in a game this season. He will get opportunities against a rushing defense that allows 4.1 yards per carry.

The Giants are No. 10 in the NFL in rush defense and have not allowed an opposing running back to top 100 yards this season. Their rush defense could include starting middle linebacker Jon Beason, who missed the last three games, all Giants victories, with a foot/toe injury. Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul has excelled against the run this season, and speedy linebacker Jacquian Williams can chase down ballcarriers.

The trash talk from the Giants has not targeted McCoy. They have lauded the Eagles running back despite his slow start, knowing his capabilities. Look for the Giants to follow other defenses this season and try to neutralize McCoy, forcing Nick Foles to have a good game.

Edge: Eagles

Defenses have challenged Foles this season, and the Eagles quarterback has been inconsistent. Foles has averaged only 201 passing yards the last two weeks, with two touchdowns and three interceptions. His mechanics have been a problem, with shoddy footwork forcing Foles to throw off his back foot too often. The Eagles insist it's correctable, and Foles' sterling 2013 campaign plus flashes of stardom this season give reason to believe he can improve.

If he gets better on his deep passes, that will help. Foles is 1 of 14 on passes of more than 30 yards. In 2013, he was 11 of 23. The Giants have allowed five plays of more than 40 yards this season. Jeremy Maclin has been Foles' most reliable threat. Maclin takes pride in getting open against man-to-man coverage, which the Giants will likely feature. Maclin must beat former Eagles cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. The Giants have a good cornerback duo with Prince Amukamara on the other side. Injuries at the slot have hurt the Giants, though, and 5-foot-9 veteran Trumaine McBride gives up six inches on Eagles slot receiver Jordan Matthews.

The Eagles also need to find ways to get tight end Zach Ertz and Sproles more involved in the passing game. Both are potential mismatches who have been limited in the last two games.

Pierre-Paul is a dangerous pass rusher, but he will be blocked by all-pro left tackle Jason Peters. The matchup to watch is defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins against Eagles reserve guard Matt Tobin. Hankins has 21/2 sacks this season. The Giants have 10 sacks and rank No. 24 in pass defense.

Edge: Eagles

The Giants will not have starting running back Rashad Jennings, who has been a solid performer. Rookie Andre Williams will likely receive the bulk of the carries. Williams is a powerful rusher who has topped 60 yards in each of the last two weeks and rushed for 2,177 yards at Boston College last season. Williams has gained only 3.1 yards per carry, but the Eagles allow 4.2. Peyton Hillis can help Williams in the running game.

The status of Eagles inside linebacker DeMeco Ryans will be a major part of this matchup. Ryans has been limited this week with a groin injury. The Eagles are already missing Mychal Kendricks. Backups Casey Matthews and Emmanuel Acho are better against the run than the pass, although the Eagles could use more nickel and dime packages this week.

The Giants are missing guard Geoff Schwartz on the offensive line. Left tackle Will Beatty and right tackle Justin Pugh, a Council Rock South alumnus, have been strong in run-blocking.

Edge: Giants

The Giants have a new offense this season, with Ben McAdoo calling plays. It's more West Coast-oriented, and it has allowed quarterback Eli Manning to pass the ball more quickly. Manning is releasing passes in 2.31 seconds, second-quickest in the NFL. He was at 2.73 seconds last season.

The NFL's 17th-ranked passing game has clicked during the Giants' three-game winning streak, in which Manning threw for eight touchdowns and only one interception. The quick passes and better protection have helped: Manning was sacked four times in the first two games, and only three times in the last three games.

He has also been aided by the development of tight end Larry Donnell (four touchdowns). Top receiver Victor Cruz often plays in the slot, where Brandon Boykin will challenge him. Rueben Randle has been targeted 10 times in each of the last three games, and his matchup against Bradley Fletcher will be one to watch. The Giants are also bolstered by the return of first-round pick Odell Beckham Jr., who caught a touchdown in his debut last week. Cary Williams could see a lot of time on Beckham.

The Eagles have the 29th-ranked passing defense. They've been hurt by big plays, including six of more than 40 yards. The pass rush has been more productive during the last two weeks, with four sacks in each game.

Edge: Giants

The Eagles' special teams have been their best unit. They have four return touchdowns, including three in the last two games. The Eagles will likely use Josh Huff as the top kick returner. Sproles has been one of the NFL's top punt returners, and the Giants have already allowed one punt-return score.

Edge: Eagles

The Giants enter the game on a three-game winning streak. The Eagles are undefeated at home. The Giants have won in two of their last three visits to Philadelphia. The Eagles are 4-1 in prime-time, regular-season games under Chip Kelly.

Edge: Eagles

Zach Berman: Eagles 34, Giants 31. Jeff McLane: Eagles 30, Giants 28.