Giants/Eagles

I really can not figure this game out. These team have each had such unconventional seasons and both know each other so well that really anything can happen. Each team was hyped at one point in the season and buried in another part, just to be praised once again. Each have suffered season ending injuries to franchise players, yet they both were able to overcome and make it to the playoffs. The difference between these two teams at this point is that the Eagles stormed into the playoffs on a winning streak, and the Giants have crawled here.

The Eagles have played extremely well in all phases of the game in the past five weeks. There were question marks on their offense because of the injury to Donavan McNabb, but Jeff Garcia has stepped in and played extremely well. He has spread the ball around to different receivers and been able to avoid the rush. The main reason for Garcias' success has been the dominance of their offensive line. They have played at a very high level and given Garcia the time and space to make plays. Being a shorter QB, Garcia not only needs protection, but clear lanes to throw in and his line has provided that consistently. In addition, Brian Westbrook has had his best season yet. He is a very explosive player, and has been a constant big play threat for that offense.

The Giant offense has been very much like its young QB, inconsistent. They have changed their offensive coordinator and there has been constant bickering from the players. When the GIants are at their best, Tiki Barber is getting the football. They need him to get 30 touches to win this ballgame. In addition though, the QB needs to spread the ball around. At time this season he has locked in on Plaxico and forgot about his other weapons. If I were the Giants, I would try to get Eli in a grove early through safe, short route to Tiki, Shockey (if he plays), and Sinoriece Moss. Burress will garner a lot of attention from the Eagle secondary, so they should use that to their advantage.

The key to this ballgame from an offensive perspective though is how the Giants handle the Eagles blitz. No matter how many times Tiki gets the ball, the Giants are going to have to throw the ball some as well. The Giants have had issues on their offensive line all season. They need to give the QB time in the pocket in order to be successful, especially on third downs. The Eagles are known for their blitzing and the Giants need to be ready for it.

On the other side of the ball the Giants need prevent the big play. More specifically, this means concentrating on Brian Westbrook and third downs. Any time Westbrook gets the ball, he is a threat to go the distance. He is the most dangerous man on the Eagles. If they can tackle well, especially on Westbrook, they will be in good shape. As for third downs, they have to keep Garcia in the pocket. Once he starts moving around, he gives his receivers time to get open. Also, Garcia is a very accurate passer on the run.

These teams know each other so well, and are so close in talent that it is going to be a close game. Both games this season were wacky. Each team probably feels like they should have won both of them. Instead each team won once on the other teams' home field. While I feel confident that the Giants should/will win, this is a game that is truly a toss up in my mind. As Giant fan it comes down to one thing. How will the QB play? If he has a confident, and accurate game, then the Giants will win. If he has a shaky game, then the Giants will struggle. This will not be a low scoring game. Both teams will put up points. In the end, I just hope the Giants have put up more.

Randy

The Big Unit has been traded. I like the deal for the Yanks as a franchise, but you can not tell me that they are a better team for the 2007 season. I do not like their starting rotation, but I now do like their depth of young pitching. They have enough offense where they will make the postseason, but once again I do not see them having enough pitching. They have set themselves up nicely for the future though by acquiring young pitching and saving money. Oh, and I do not want to hear about Roger Clemens. I do not look at him as a big game pitcher at this point in his career, and his ERA will jump a run if he goes to the AL.

STKAFI