The Eagles offense embar-rassed the Giants the last time these two teams met and it could happen again unless the New York defensive line plays much better.
The New York secondary is atrocious. This group let Tony Romo complete 41 passes in one game.
They don’t have the talent to cover the Eagles receivers. If Donovan McNabb has time to throw, he will have a big day.
The Giants’ only hope of slowing down the Birds will be Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora and their teammates on the defensive line.
They were once the Beasts of the East. They were the big bad boys on the block.
It was that front four with the now retired Michael Strahan which dominated the New England Patriots and led the Giants to a Super Bowl championship.
I thought they were going to be a dominant group this season but it hasn’t happened. Injuries have been the main culprit but they have underachieved.
Last year right defensive end Osi Umenyiora, who had that six-sack game against the Birds, tore up his knee and he’is struggling to get his speed back. He’s playing part time now and being used only on pass downs.
Umenyiora is a pure speed rusher and without it, he’s not the same player. He can be overpowered at the point of attack.
Justin Tuck is the guy who I think has been the most disappointing. He’s relatively healthy but hasn’t been consistently dominant as a run stopper or pass rusher.
The defensive tackles have been hit with a series of injuries. They had added Chris Canty and Rocky Bernard at the defensive tackle position during the off season, but that hasn’t helped because both of them have been down with injuries.
Jay Alford was lost before the season to injury and Fred Robbins hasn’t been healthy as well.
I think the Birds will be able to run the ball against New York, since their middle linebacker Antonio Pierce is out for the season. A running game for the Eagles will make it even tougher for the Giants to get any pressure on McNabb.
If they keep somewhat of a balance they should have no problem putting up at least 30 to 35 points.
Eli Manning won’t be able to put points on the board for the Giants without turning the ball over quite a bit .
The Giants defensive line is the only hope for New York.
