New York Giants at San Diego Chargers Preview

By Jonathan Solomon  |   Saturday, September 24, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

NFL Football News
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Just 17 short months ago, Eli Manning shocked everyone when he refused to play for the San Diego Chargers and forced a trade to the New York Giants. The Chargers went on to have one of their best seasons in franchise history with Drew Brees at the helm. This Sunday night on ESPN, Eli will enter the lion's den for the first time and will deal with the roaring of boo's from Charger fans and resentful feelings from Charger players.

In one of the most anticipated match-ups of the season the winless Chargers will desperately try and get their first victory while the Giants will attempt to continue their undefeated play.

The New York Giants defense has been a mixed bag the first two weeks. The run defense has shut down opposing running backs Marcel Shipp, JJ Arrington and Deuce McAllister. They'll be tested as much as ever when the best running back in the NFL lines up across from them, LaDainian Tomlinson. In a remarkable feat, Tomlinson has at least a single rushing touchdown in his last fourteen games.

The Giants pass defense has been laughable to the tune of a combined 691 passing yards to Kurt Warner, Josh McCown and Aaron Brooks. Now the Giants secondary will have to contend with all the weapons the Chargers have at their possession. The key for the Chargers will be pass protection, which they didn't receive much of last week as Brees was sacked four times.

Eli Manning, who has been anything but perfect this season, improved slightly last week and established a chemistry with Plaxico Burress and Jeremy Shockey. The two-headed rushing monster that is Tiki Barber and Brandon Jacobs have been terrific this season and must continue to be or else Manning will be lost.

Slightly alarming to the Giants since last Monday night was the realization that kicker Jay Feely tweaked his back attempting a tackle on a kick-off versus the Saints. He's listed as questionable mid-week but should be able to go on Sunday night. Cornerback Will Peterson is back to complete health but safety Shaun Williams tweaked a hamstring and is listed as questionable.

The Chargers have listed two defensive ends, Jacques Cesaire (probable, elbow) and Igor Olshansky (questionable, ankle/knee) on their injured list but aren't expected to miss much time.

This will be a very interesting game as the San Diego Chargers have fought two tough and close games to start the season only to find themselves among the early losers in the NFL. They're clearly a much better team than their record indicates and will look to tee off on Eli Manning and the New York Giants. Look to see how Eli responds to all the criticism during the game and we'll find out just how real the Giants may be in the 2005 season.
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