Two teams that silenced plenty of critics with key Week 3 victories meet on Sunday night in an NFC East clash as the 1-2 Philadelphia Eagles visit the 1-2 New York Giants.
The New York Giants appeared headed for an 0-3 start when they were down 17-3 at halftime last week against the Redskins. But the New York defense stiffened, allowing only 80 yards and no points in the second half, including a goal-line stand in the final minute, as the Giants rallied to win 24-17. That defensive effort was quite a change from the first two weeks, when the Giants allowed 80 points and 621 passing yards combined in losses to Dallas and Green Bay.
The Philadelphia Eagles, meanwhile, were dealing with Donovan McNabb's controversial statements on black quarterbacks heading into last week's home game with the Lions. Some were even thinking McNabb's time in Philly was about up.
After only producing total 25 points in season-opening setbacks to the Packers and Redskins, the Eagles scored touchdowns on their first five possessions against the Lions and finished the first half with 473 total yards, the highest total by an NFL team since 1991. McNabb was stellar, going 21 of 26 for 381 yards and four touchdowns, giving him a perfect quarterback rating of 158.3 for the game.
"When you're a great quarterback, you're going to have days where things aren't working," Eagles coach Andy Reid said. "He knows that. He knows that if he keeps firing, good things will happen."
Running back Brian Westbrook also starred against the Lions, rushing for 110 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries, and making five catches for 111 yards and a TD. However, Westbrook has missed all of this week's practices but one and will be a game-time decision because of an abdominal strain."Anybody who does not believe he is playing, you are a fool," Giants defensive end Michael Strahan said. "He didn't leave the game because he was hurt. He left the game because he already had 250 yards and they were up by 50-something points. We expect him to play and are preparing for him to play."
Other key injuries for the Eagles include Pro Bowl safety Brian Dawkins, who is questionable this week, while Pro Bowl cornerback Lito Sheppard and left tackle William Thomas are doubtful.
One of New York's top offensive players also could miss or be limited in this game, as wide receiver Plaxico Burress, who is tied for the league lead with five TD catches, has a lingering ankle injury. Burress had 17 grabs, 323 yards and three TDs against Philly last year.
"Plax, we call him 'Game Day,' " middle linebacker Antonio Pierce said. "On game day he shows up regardless of what anyone wants to say about him during the week. The guy has been in the league long enough, eight years, and he knows how to take care of himself."
New York could also be without running back Derrick Ward, who is questionable with an ankle injury, but could get back starter Brandon Jacobs, who hasn't played since Week 1. Giants coach Tom Coughlin expects Ward to play, however, but not Jacobs.
One interesting stat to consider for this game: Philadelphia is 3-5 in weeks preceding a bye (as this one is) since Reid came to the club in 1999. But the Eagles have won seven of eight against the G-Men.
The lowdown: With so many key injuries, it's tough to gauge this game, and it will be worth your while to wait until the last possible second to place a bet. However, the Eagles (-3 on WagerWeb.com) seem recharged and Westbrook undoubtedly will play with a bye week upcoming, so go with Philly.
NFL betting odds at WagerWeb Online Sportsbook
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