Eli Manning and the New York Giants come into the Week 5 game against the Eagles with a winless 0-4 record.
After three weeks of watching the Eagles downfalls culminate
with a 52-20 shellacking in Denver, the playing field becomes level as the
Eagles remain on the road against the New York Giants.
The Giants are winless, 0-4 to start the season behind Eli Manning’s struggles.
The Eagles, though, are a struggling team as well. In the
games where the offense has succeeded, the defense has been awful. In the games
where the defense has been solid, the offense can’t score.
This is a game that will easily come down to turnovers.
Manning has struggled, throwing nine interceptions to lead the league.
Additionally, running back David Wilson
has also lost two fumbles. As a team, the Giants have turned the ball over 14
times.
The Eagles have only four turnovers all season. Michael Vick threw two interceptions in
Week 3. The Eagles have also fumbled the ball twice.
Still, this will be a game about limiting the mistakes.
Despite Manning’s many mistakes this season, the Eagles have the league’s
second-worst pass defense, allowing 325 yards per game. On the ground, the
Eagles allow 122 yards per game, fifth-worst in the league.
The running game should not be a threat, as the Eagles’ poor
run defense is countered by a weak rushing team in the Giants. Manning and the
Giants do rank 10th in the league in passing yards with 268 per
game.
The place for the Eagles to attack is in their own running
game. LeSean McCoy was quiet against
the Broncos in Week 4, averaging just 4.6 yards per carry for a total of 73
yards.
But the Giants run defense allows 122.5 yards per game, 28th
in the league. For this run-happy Eagles team, this could be the week to
strike.
The concern for the Eagles defense will be covering Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks. The Eagles struggle in the secondary as it is, and
they are dealing with questionable health to Patrick Chung and Brandon
Boykin. That shifts heavy responsibility on Cary Williams and Bradley
Fletcher who will be covering Cruz and Nicks.
Demeco Ryans, Mychal
Kendricks and the linebacker team may have an easier time with Wilson. But Brandon Myers awaits as the tight end
as a receiving threat for Manning as well.
Again, this game is about controlling what’s in front of
you. If the Eagles force mistakes from Manning and keep the running game at
bay, then the defense should translate into offense for the Eagles as it did in
Week 1 against the Redskins. If not, then it could be a long day for the Eagles
again, much like Week 3 against the Chiefs.
Injury Report:
Eagles
- S Patrick
Chung (shoulder) is questionable for today’s game. Chung was limited in
practice this week. - CB
Brandon Boykin (shoulder) is probable for today’s game.
Giants
- TE Adrian
Robinson (foot) is out for today’s game. - CB Aaron
Ross (back) is out for today’s game. - CB Jayron
Hosley (hamstring) is out for today’s game. - C David
Baas (neck) is out for today’s game. - DT Linval
Joseph (ankle) is out for today’s game. - G Chris
Snee (hip) is out for today’s game. - CB Corey
Webster (groin) is doubtful for today’s game. Webster did not participate
in practice this week. - DT Cullen
Jenkins (knee) is questionable for today’s game. Jenkins did not
participate in practice. - S Cooper
Taylor (shoulder) is probable for today’s game. - DE Jason
Pierre-Paul (knee) is probable for today’s game. - CB
Terrell Thomas (knee) is probable for today’s game. Thomas was limited in
practice this week. - LB Mark
Herzlich (toe) is probable for today’s game. Herzlich was limited in
practice this week. - DT Shaun
Rogers (back) is probable for today’s game. Rogers was limited in practice
this week. - T David
Diehl (thumb) is probable for today’s game. - LB
Jacquian Williams (knee) is probable for today’s game.
Staff Predictions:
Frank Klose
Eagles 16, Giants 20
I think this one could go either way. People expect the 0-4 Giants to flop once again; the threat of 0-5 could be extra motivation for the Giants to tip the scales. I can see maybe one McCoy running touchdown at best. The Giants will be able to score enough on the Eagles defense.
Andrew Gillen
Eagles 38, Giants 24
A matchup of two teams at a combined record of 1-7 playing for a chance to move within striking distance of the division title. Talk about drama. Anyway, I find it incredible that so many people had confidence going up against Peyton and the Broncos, but seem so intimidated by Eli's lackluster Giants. I don't expect a runaway, but I see the Eagles doing enough to bury the Giants, crush their season, and send Tom Coughlin's New York career packing. LeSean McCoy will have himself quite a day.
Matt Lombardo
Eagles 26, Giants 34
The Eagles red zone woes continue and Eli Manning drives down the field for a game-winning touchdown inside of two minutes to play.
Kevin Durso
Eagles 21, Giants 24
There is pressure on both teams to come away with a win in
this game. The Giants are very close from being considered simply a bad team
instead of unlucky, and Tom Coughlin’s job is going to be on the line further
with another loss. The Eagles also have a lot to prove. Another win within the
division, despite being 2-3, would renew some energy in the fan base. That
makes this a close pick. Ultimately, mistakes will cost the losing team, and I
can only see the Giants being mistake-prone for so long. That ends this week.
Where to Watch:
TV: FOX
Radio: 94
WIP-FM/610 WIP-AM
Kevin Durso is a
contributor for Eagledelphia. Look for his Monday Review following every Eagles
game. You can also follow him on twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.
