Sunday Funday Part 2: Keys to an Eagle Win

Before I get started here, a disclaimer: I’m not Brandon and thus these three keys will be about half the length. As everybody knows, Brandon has a tendency to be longwinded (this also rings true in person). Here are my succinct three keys – or, more accurately, three players that will determine the outcome of this game.

LeSean McCoy (and the O-line): Westbrook got his brain rattled last Sunday, and now we’re without the Giant killer this Sunday, and we will consequently get to see what this rookie is really made of. He didn’t exactly have a lights-out performance against the Redskins last week, but the again, the Redskins run defense is probably the only good thing about that team. The Eagles winning this game is completely contingent upon their ability to run a balanced offense. If Andy Reid didn’t learn that from the terrible Oakland game, then this season is over. McCoy needs to carry the ball at least 20-25 times. In order for him to do that, though, the offensive line needs to actually show up for this one. The Giants defensive line is formidable to say the least, so this will be a true test. I’m looking at you, Justice.

We will find out if this McCoy is real very soon.

Donovan McNabb: As mentioned above, the O-line has been problematic this season. The loss against the Raiders came in large part because McNabb was playing the role of David Carr circa 2007. You can’t get a throw off when you’re on your back all game. However, last week, McNabb had a handful of opportunities to hit wide open receivers and instead opted to throw the football the way one would go about skipping a pebble across a pond. Are McNabb’s best days behind him? Yes – but he has overcome midseason struggles and has regained his form before, and this is a game where he will need to do that.

Yes, this is the McNabb of seasons passed. I just talked to the future McNabb and he says that if you don't regaint that accuracy you used to have, Campbell's will be going with Eli next season.

Brandon Jacobs: As we all know, Ahmad Bradshaw is a little dinged up, but should be available for this game. However, I would expect that the Giants use him just a bit more cautiously than usual, and I expect Brandon Jacobs to shoulder more of the running game load. He’s coming off a good performance last Sunday against the Cardinals, but so far he’s only found the endzone twice this year, something that Giants fans and fantasy owners are sure to be aggravated about. For some reason (and Brandon mentioned this), the Giants feel the need to throw the ball more now, even though they have always relied on their strong rushing attack. Their shift in offensive strategy has put more of the focus (and pressure) on Eli, which has worked at times but blown up in their face others. If the Eagles bring constant pressure, contain the run, and force Eli to beat them, Asante and Sheldon could be looking at a big day, and the Eagles could be looking at a big win.

Familiar foes will have plenty of time to become reacquainted this Sunday.

If you want to hear about the other factors that will play a role in this Sunday’s clash, tune in on Sunday morning.