Monday Pick

[Hoops]

NFL: 39-26 (+56 units)
Sides: 29-18 (+36.6 units)
Totals: 8-6 (+7.8 units)
Parlays: 2-2 (+12.6 units)

**10 units**
Giants -3

For various reasons, Giants matchup better against Philly than any other team in the league. Fox's defensive scheme has totally shutdown McNabb and the entire Eagles offense. Over the past five meetings, Philly has gained over 240 yds of offense only once. Three times were held under 200 yds. During that period, Giants have gained over 295 yds in four of the five meetings. Bye week for Reid and his staff to prepare, but what could they possibly have found that they haven't tried to implement before? After getting smoked twice in the regular season last year, they had their biggest game of the season against NY in the playoffs and still could not do anything offensively. Unless something has drastically changed (which I don't have any evidence of seeing), not sure how the story changes tonight. Collins has been very solid against this Eagles D. Running game has been effective as well. Barber back and close to 100%..Dayne has shown improvement in his absence...with that combo running and play-action, Giants should control the clock and move the ball like they did last season. Giants D on all cylinders after last week's game in St Louis. Strahan has owned Runyan..if they double, leaves single-coverage for any of the other lineman, and they can all rush the QB effectively as well. Eagles interior line couldn't handle Griffin the playoff game last year, and now with Miller out at C, starting a backup in Fraley. Questions about the Giants secondary, but most of the yards they have allowed were at St Louis and at Denver (with a healthy, comple offensive roster), probably the top two offensive teams in football when healthy. Warner needed 46 attempts to go over 300 yds, was pressured everytime he went to pass...Brooks went for 296 yds when the Saints visited NY, but needed 54 attempts to get that number. Nothing looks much different to me from when these teams played last season...unless Reid has devised an entirely new offensive scheme, the Eagles O-line has the game of it's life, and Philly's D can force Collins into a few turnovers (did not throw an INT against them last season)...Giants should win comfortably once again.

Good Luck!

 

[ormond80]

THANKS FOR THE INPUT HOOPS, I AM NO LONGER ON THE FENCE BUT RATHER GOING YOUR WAY. GOOD LUCK AND KEEP ON POSTING!

 

[Wheelz]

Hoops

A few notes from last years playoff game. The Giants scored only two field goals on offense - they had one kick-off return for a TD and one interception for a TD.

This was without Duce Staley and Rookie Correll Buckhalter, not to mention the two wide receivers who have since departed.

I think with the additions on Offense and Defense, the Eagles are a much improved team from last year and should create problem for a Giants Defense with injuries

Stats from the playoff game (without a good running back)

First downs: Eagles 11, Giants 15
Rushing yards: Eagles 46, Giants 112
Passing yards: Eagles 140, Giants 125
Sacks: Eagles 1, Giants 6
Turnovers: Eagles 3, Giants 3

Just a little information and good luck!

 

[casper]

you make some good points hoops, gl on your play tonight i am on the giants as well. i've read a bunch of eagles backers pointing to their great pass defense, but let's face it 2 of the four qb's they've faced included hasselbeck and wright, arguably two of the worst qb's in football. 2 weeks ago plummer put up 238 against them going 18-32. they did play tough against the rams but it was a home game. dallas self-destructed turning the ball over countless times, and seattle, well, how can they possibly win with a qb that went 9-24 for 64 yrds. mcnabb has only run the ball 21 times this year and from what i've seen of him, he's trying to be more of a pocket passer this year. i think staley's return may hamper the eagles actually, he will be out of sync, and buckhalter has averaged 4.8 yrds/carry, be it against some weak-ass teams. i'd be surprised if the eagles score more than 10 or 13 points. this is their first real challenge away from the comfort (if you can call it that) of veteren's stadium. maybe at home mcnabb could do it by himself, but not in ny.

 

[pepin46]

gentlemen

every game, every year it is the same talk:

this time is different. well, the kid cried wolf too many times. show me. until then, it is still the giants.


pep

 

[Hoops]

Wheelz- I think you pointed out the key to their previous meetings (and for football games in general)..the rushing stats. Not only in the playoff game, a +66 margin to NY, but the two regular season games as well..+80 and +111 yard margins to the Giants. Their defensive line has dominated the Eagels O-line, and their offensive line has controlled Philly's D-line. Giants D-line intact and playing better than ever, Philly O-line without their starting center and no signifcant upgrades there or on their D-line.

Staley hasn't done anything this season, and Buckhalter gets to run against NY rush defense, not the Cards, Cowboys, or Seahawks. Casper mentioned that, and I'm in agreement...I think his 4.8 ypc will take a nosedive tonight.

Good luck either way!

 

[Wheelz]

Hoops

Thanks for the input, much appreciated. Being from Philly, I've been on the fence with my heart leaning to the Eagles. But everyone here makes some strong points for the Giants.

Any feel for the Over/Under. This way I could watch the game in peace from a side stand point.

Good luck with the Giants!

 

[pepin46]

wheelz

why not tease your team +9 or 10 and choose over 28-29 or under 41-42, whatever your instinct dictates. that should be interesting and you will have something to cheer for, other than loyalty.

after all, anything can happen, including an upset, a wild shootout, whatever. remember, it is mnf.


pep

 

[Wheelz]

pepin46

Thanks for the information. Teased Eagles +9 and Over 29.5.

Good Luck!

 

[Hoops]

Sore-loser time...F*CK!!!

 

[dr. freeze]

you got robbed.......sorry man!

 

[~sandog~]

I am with ya man this SUCKED!!!! the Giants deserved this loss....pathetic play calling especially 2nd half....you cant hope to run the clock out with 30 minutes still to go

dogg

 

[Hoops]

That's what happens when you play not to lose for the final 30 minutes, and when the redzone play-calling/execution is extremely poor. 9-0 lead isn't enough of a spread to start shutting your offense down, poor job by Fassel and Payton. If it was 17-0 at the half, as it probably should have been, then maybe play conservative, but damn, 9-0 is nothing. But the backbreaker was Rodney Williams...guy has the best leg in the NFL and shanks a 27 yarder at the most crucial point of the game. If he gets his usual 45-50 yard punt off, I don't think Philly scores.