The Giants defense boasts some talented defensive ends, a decent linebacking corps and a questionable secondary. Here is my take on the individuals that make up the unit that will challenge McNabb and Co. on Sunday.
Today is offense day for the Birds. The offensive game plan is being installed and the Birds offense will get most of the reps at practice. This morning the team will get a scouting report on the Giants defense and it should include some of the following information.
The strength of the Giants defense is still their pass rushing defensive ends, Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora. These two are versatile pass rushers with speed and power moves. Either of them can take over a game if allowed. They are not only major factors in the passing game, they also have the ability to shut down a running game.
Middle linebacker Antonio Pierce is an All-Pro and a playmaker versus both the run and the pass. The interior trio of center Jamaal Jackson, and guards Shawn Andrews and Todd Herremans must control Pierce in the running game to be successful. They should be able to get to Pierce when the Birds are running inside because Giants defensive tackles Barry Cofield and Fred Robbins while being big and talented, do not play with fire. The interior trio on the “O” line should let these DT’s continue sleeping. Andy and Marty will have to test the interior of the Giants defense whether Westbrook plays or not. I don’t think the Eagles center and guards can get to Pierce on outside plays, so they should run right at him.
On a side note, the Eagles tight ends will have to help block the Giants defensive ends occasionally when the formation forces it. The Birds don’t seem to do a good job of pass blocking defensive ends, when their tight ends and tackles do it together. The tackles always seem to take it for granted that the tight ends have got them. We don’t need any mix-ups like that this week.
Mathias Kiwanuka is a great athlete at strongside linebacker but he’s still learning the position. He could be exploited but I wouldn’t place too much pressure on the tight ends with L.J. out injured. Weakside linebacker Kawika Mitchell has done a good job against the run but he’s not the quickest or most athletic weakside backer, which makes him vulnerable. These guys will surely be victimized if Westbrook plays.
The Giants secondary is suspect at best. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuola was previously with the Eagles coaching staff, so he will try to take advantage of his knowledge of the Birds. The key will be how the Eagles attack them because the Birds must see a big bulls-eye on the Giants secondary.
Left cornerback Sam Madison still loves to bump and run but isn’t what he used to be, so I think it makes sense for the Birds to go after him. Their first target has to be right cornerback Corey Webster. This guy is prone to pass interference penalties and he doesn’t play the ball well when it’s in the air. Further, he is on the hot seat and may have lost his job to rookie cornerback Aaron Ross. If Ross is in the game, the Eagles will be sure to test the talented but inexperienced former Texas Longhorn. Finally, in passing situations the Eagles will face veteran corner R.W. McQuarters is the nickel back and he’s terrible.
Safeties James Butler and Gibril Wilson are nothing to write home about. They are not quality tacklers in the open field and they can be torched if caught in man to man coverage. Those guys can be had if Westbrook plays.
