New York Giants Strategy and Personnel
by Sports Xchange
PLAYER NOTES
--MLB-SLB Chase Blackburn is the logical backup to Pierce but doesn't have the experience to be the signal-caller as well. Still, he's game. "It's my job to step up if something happens to Antonio," he said, "and if that's the case, then I will."
--The Giants promoted DT Leger Douzable from their practice squad to the active roster to replace Burress, and the logic behind the move is solid. The suspensions of Vikings defensive tackles Pat and Kevin Williams because of an over-the-counter diet pill containing a banned substance might have forced Minnesota to scour practice squads, and Douzable (6-4, 310) appears to be a young player with some potential.
--C Shaun O'Hara feels that the season-long mantra of "Team First" will help the Giants through the Burress fiasco. "It can't hurt," he said. "We have a history of dealing with difficulties and I think we are programmed to make it work."
--DT Fred Robbins, who was held out of the game in Washington (jammed shoulder, is 100 percent sure he'll play this week against the Eagles. "I probably could have played last week," he said, "but it was safer to do it this way. Besides, I think Jay (Alford) did a great job and needed the work."
GAME PLAN: The Eagles have not denied reports that their plan is to stop the Giants' running game and force Eli Manning to pass. It is not an unexpected decision in light of the loss of Plaxico Burress, but there are still several receivers -- wideouts, tight ends and running backs -- who can easily pick up at least some of the slack. The Giants will concentrate on the short "outs" and slants in order to open the middle of the secondary for such as TE Kevin Boss running a deep seam or RB Derrick Ward on short screens into the middle.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Giants QB Eli Manning vs. Eagles defense - Manning, who has become far more competent at reading defenses and adjusting to them, will have to deal with eight and perhaps nine Eagle defenders in the box as they attempt to shut down the running game. So he'll take his keys from Eagles' MLB Stewart Bradley and SLB Chris Gocong. If they drop back he'll know he can run the middle with Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward. If they press the run, he'll have to throw to the sidelines, but short.
Giants LDE Justin Tuck vs. Eagles RT Jon Runyan: Tuck leads the team with 10.5 sacks. He'll go up against one of the better veteran offensive tackles in the NFL. Tuck did reasonably well four games ago against Philadelphia, but Runyan is the sort who can continue to find new tricks.
Giants LCB Aaron Ross and RCB Corey Webster vs. Eagles WRs DeSean Jackson and Kevin Curtis: Ross and Webster will have to deal with a pair of speedy receivers who can get open deep in Curtis and Jackson, a rookie flash. Eagles QB Donovan McNabb is gaining more confidence in Jackson, and that could lead to some deep shots.
INJURY IMPACT: CB Corey Webster (ankle) and RB Derrick Ward (ankle) remained out of practice Thursday but both are considered certain to play Sunday. DT Fred Robbins (shoulder) practiced with full participation.
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