I’m concerned about Plaxico Burress who is the number one weapon the Eagles must stop in the Giants aerial arsenal. He seems to torch the Birds secondary with his size and ability to go get the ball at its highest point.
So far in three games, Plaxico has run up 15 catches for 262 yards and 5 touchdowns. He's done all this despite not being able to practice because of a sore ankle.
Jim Johnson and company have got to keep him doubled all afternoon long. Plaxico is capable of taking quick screens and making plays out of them and by utilizing his strength and surprising quickness for a big man. The deciding score against the Redskins was magnificent. We don’t need to see any of that against the Birds.
The quick screens must be combatted with pursuit to the ball by the entire defense. The cornerback covering him must either make the tackle on Burress or at least hold him up for a while, so that his help can get there. They can't let him just make a quick move and head upfield.
It’s time for former Giant Will James to get some revenge against the Giants. He ran his mouth all off season about wanting to be a starter. Well, he’s a starter now, so it’s time for him to step up and have a big game against the Burress and New York. He has the best size and height in the secondary to cover Burress, but he’s got to be smart and not make any dumb pass interference penalties.
Don’t get me wrong – Sheldon Brown has the strength and coverage ability to deal with Plaxico, but he giving Burress at 7 or 8 inches and that’s before he extends his arms. They’ve got to keep Plaxico double-teamed all afternoon long. I’d also like to see the safeties put a pounding on Plaxico’s ribs when he reaching high for some of those passes. If he gets hit once, he’ll be slower putting his hands up.
