Giants looking to close the door on Eagles’ season

By Jonathan Solomon | Friday, November 18, 2005 | ( 0 )

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For the first time in years, the New York Giants are the favorites against the Philadelphia Eagles. The two will meet at the Meadowlands in New Jersey this Sunday afternoon. The Eagles will play without their two biggest stars, quarterback Donovan McNabb and receiver Terrell Owens. Both teams are coming off of tough losses and are in the mix in the tightest division race in the NFL.

McNabb re-injured his groin on Monday night when he attempted to tackle Cowboys safety Roy Williams as he was returning the game winning interception for a touchdown. Third stringer Mike McMahon has been announced as the starter over back-up Koy Detmer.

The New York Giants will be playing with heavy hearts again as co-owner Bob Tisch passed away earlier this week from cancer. It's the second time in about a month that the Giants will be burying a co-owner. Wellington Mara passed away last month. Days after Mara's funeral, the Giants shut the Redskins out 36-0.

The Giants are coming off of their sloppiest game of the year, and the first loss they've suffered at home. Eli Manning threw four interceptions against a confusing Vikings defensive coverage.

Jeremy Shockey is listed as questionable with a chest injury. William Joseph will miss at least a month due to an elbow injury. The Giants defense will also likely miss Carlos Emmons, Justin Tuck and Shaun Williams due to injuries. Besides McNabb, the Eagles may be playing without LJ Smith who is treating his knee and ankle.

The Eagles' rushing attack has been next to worst this year, ranked 31st in the NFL. Against a Giants defense that has done well against every opposing back except LaDainian Tomlinson and the Denver group, Westbrook will have to work extra hard. On the other hand, look for the Giants to take advantage of their explosive offensive weapons. Though Plaxico Burress wasn't a factor last week, expect him to come alive again against the Eagles.

This is the first meeting of the year between the Eagles and New York Giants and this game could perhaps be the final straw for Philadelphia. They're currently riding a three game losing streak and have lost two of their star players, likely, for the rest of the season. This is a perfect opportunity for the Giants to close the lid on the Eagles' season.

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