Game Preview: Philadelphia Eagles

Today Big Blue View takes a look at the Eagles in preparation for their game against the Giants.

Eagles logo circa 1986

2008 Record: 5-3 (3^rd Place NFC East)

Head Coach: Andy Reid

Last time they met: December 9^th, 2007, The Giants defeated the Eagles 16-13 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Marty Mornhinweg

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Jim Johnson

KEY ADDITIONS: RB Lorenzo Booker (from Dolphins), FB/TE Kris Wilson (from Chiefs), WR DeSean Jackson (2nd Round, California), DE Chris Clemons (from Raiders), DT Trevor Laws (2nd Round, Notre Dame), DT Dan Klecko (from Colts), OLB/DE Bryan Smith (3rd Round, McNeese State), LB Rocky Boiman (from Colts), CB Asante Samuel (from Patriots)

KEY DEPARTURES: FB Thomas Tapeh (to Vikings), DE Jevon Kearse (to Titans), DT Ian Scott (released), DT LaJuan Ramsey (to 49ers), DT Kimo von Oelhoffen (released), LB Takeo Spikes (to 49ers), CB William James (to Bills), RS Reno Mahe (not tendered)

NOTES AND QUOTES:

• The Eagles have not had a lot of luck stopping Plaxico Burress since the 6-foot-5 wide receiver signed with the Giants before the 2005 season.In seven games against the Eagles in the last three years, Burress has 36 receptions and 6 touchdowns and has averaged 17.6 yards per catch. He's had 100-plus receiving yards in four of those seven games.
• Left guard Todd Herremans became the first Eagles offensive lineman in 74 years to catch a touchdown pass Sunday. Herremans, who lined up as an eligible receiver, caught a one-yard touchdown pass from Donovan McNabb late in the first half of the Eagles' 27-7 win. He blocked, then slipped into the end zone where McNabb threw him the ball. The only other Eagles offensive lineman to catch a touchdown pass was Bob Gonya, who did it on October 7, 1934 against Pittsburgh. Earlier in the game, Herremans had suffered a dislocated finger and had to have it taped to another finger. "I didn't think they'd call (the play), especially since I'd dislocated my finger," said Herremans.
• Eagles coach Andy Reid made it clear that backup tight end Brent Celek, who had 6 catches for 131 yards in Sunday's 26-7 win over the Seattle Seahawks, won't be replacing L.J. Smith as the team's starting tight end.Smith missed the Seattle game with a concussion. He's got just 12 catches for 106 yards and 2 touchdowns this season."L.J. is a Pro Bowl player," Reid said. "People pay so much attention to him (when he goes out for a pass). I'm not taking anything away from Brent because I thought that he played his heart out. But there were times when they didn't do a great job of covering him."
• The Eagles and Giants haven't been particularly good in the red zone this season, which is a big reason they rank second and fourth, respectively, in field goal attempts. If the Eagles are to beat the Giants, they must maximize their red-zone opportunities and put the ball in the end zone, rather than settle for field goals.

BY THE NUMBERS: 4 - That's how many interceptions Donovan McNabb has thrown, but two of them have been in the red zone.

Matchups To Watch:   Eagles CB Asante Samuel vs. Giants WR Plaxico Burress-Burress has been a thorn in the Eagles' side, averaging 17.6 yards per catch and catching six TD passes in seven games against the Eagles.

Eagles RG Max Jean-Gilles vs. Giants DE/DT Justin Tuck: When Tuck, the team's starting LE, moves inside on passing downs, Jean-Gilles must hold him off.

Eagles MLB Stewart Bradley vs. Giants RBs Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward: Bradley is the key man in a run defense that has held six of eight opponents to less than 90 rushing yards.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "He's a heckuva player. He's always a challenge. Our secondary gets very excited about playing against him. But he's not the only good receiver they've got."-Eagles coach Andy Reid on Giants WR Plaxico Burress.