Eagles - Giants Preview Extravaganza!

The Eagles are vying for their sixth straight win against the Giants and potentially their ninth trip to the playoffs under Andy Reid.  This game is crucial in determining the playoff picture for the entire NFC where post-season bound teams' fates are intertwined.  It comes at a time where both the Giants and Eagles are playing strong football.  It seems that Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw run for 100 yards every game.  Vick is throwing more interceptions but still making plays, and is being helped out by a patchwork defense exceeding expectations.  How will this game shake out at New Meadowlands Stadium tomorrow afternoon?  Here's what to look for:

• The weather could be very nasty, which could be the equalizer.  Chances of snow, sleet, or freezing rain will force teams to take the low road and run the ball.  At a glance, the Giants have the advantage here, as they have bigger, more powerful backs and play further north.  With a rookie MLB(Bradley dislocated his elbow) and a less-than-100% corner back who doesn't like to tackle when he's healthy, one hole in the line could lead to big gains for the G-Men.  Reid seems to know how to coach against Tom Coughlin though, and has the ability through line switches to keep a fresh front four (pardon the alliteration) closing the gaps.  If the weather is bad, it will be a running game, but don't expect that to favor the Giants too much.  Look out for Jerome Harrison to get carries for the birds.  He had a strong finish to 2009 in Cleveland.  In December, he rushed for 605 yards on 123 carries (4.9 yards a carry).  4 of those 5 games were in Cleveland, not known particularly for their palm trees.
• Eli Manning might currently be the third best quarterback in his own family.  He has an injured receiving core and can get flustered very easily.  With the addition of Samuel to the secondary, any pressure on Eli can certainly force a bad throw.  He does have the ability to look very poised though, and can orchestrate a drive that will no doubt frustrate Eagles fans as they watch the defense sit on their heels.  The key here will be to get the initial push up front with Dixon and Patterson in the middle.  That will free up the ever-relentless Trent Cole and newly healthy Juqua Thomas Parker on the edge.  Turnovers will no doubt kill momentum for both sides, but historically, this gives the Eagles a slight benefit.
• Desean Jackson is making it clear that, in just his third year, he wants his own reality show on E!.  He is currently struggling with a foot/ankle injury but appears to be ready to go this weekend.  The Giants defense have made D-Jax aware that they will not tolerate celebrations, and will likely shade the safeties to his side of the field.  With all the nonsense on and off the field that Jackson creates, he is still a serious deep threat and will keep the defense busy.  Aside from two dropped touchdowns, Jason Avant has very good hands and with an updated game-plan and inclement weather, he should be targeted often across the middle and in short out routes.
• If Vick takes a lot of hits, it could make the difference in this game.  The Giants' defensive line is very fast and strong, and in a divisional game will be out for blood.  Vick will take late hits.  That is beyond anyone's control.  But if he could just cut back on taking hits during the play, he'll have longevity in this game.

So, if the Adam Samples Stone Cold Lead Pipe Chrysler Jeep Keys To The Game are followed/fall into place, I see the Eagles winning this game.  I won't go so far as a guarantee, but I am confident.

Pick:

Eagles  33-27

You can run and tell that! Homeboy.