Last week the Eagles were in an uproar with a QB controversy after AJ Feely had a mediocre game in a losing effort to the New England Patriots. After he sputtered even harder against the Seahawks, fans in Philly are realizing that their 5 time pro bowl QB named McNabb, you know the guy who lead them to 4 NFC championship games and a Superbowl, should really be their starter.
Coming off of an ankle and thumb injury, McNabb claims he is ready to play. This match up against the Eagles will be far different then the one a few weeks back when the Giants defense completely dismantled the Eagles offense with 12 sacks, 6 of them by Umenyiora. Westbrook will be in this game, where he was out the last time as will LJ Smith and Brian Dawkins. More importantly the Eagles will have their pro bowl left tackle, William Thomas playing, and already that should slow down the Giants pass rush from the last time these two teams met.
Regardless of who is playing, the Eagles are a mediocre team, barely hanging in the playoff race. The Giants have an opportunity to put them away this week and end their season, something they didn't do last year when they had the chance.
Giants have a stronghold on the first wild card spot while the Eagles are dead last in all tie breakers for the final spot. A Giants win this week will all but assure them a spot in the January tournament while the Eagles start talking about what went wrong.
The win against the Bears was a huge one for the Giants. It has breathed life back into a team that seemed to sputter the last few games. The defense is doing well, and Manning actually showed some enthusiasm on the sideline after the touchdown call to Toomer was reversed in the Giants favor.
Maybe that win was the spark the offense needed to get out of its slump and start getting on a roll as they head to the playoffs. Last year the Giants limped in on the heels of now retired running back, Tiki Barber. This year, according to Antonio Pierce on WFAN's Mike & the Mad Dog show Tuesday afternoon, the goal is to roll into the playoffs, have momentum and carry it through the first week.
This Sunday will mark a huge game for both teams. A win by the Giants and they are pretty much in, rolling along, sending the South Philly team packing for warmer weather and some golf clubs. A loss, and the Giants just gave life to a team, who has the post season experience, to do some damage, if given the chance.
By: Michael C. Podlesny
About the Author:
Michael C. Podlesny is the co-host of the Big Blue Review, a weekly podcast featuring the latest news on The New York Giants. The podcast can be downloaded from Michael's blog at http://bigbluereviewpodcast.blogspot.com/.
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