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Giants vs. Eagles: 'Five Questions' with Bleeding Green Nation

'Five Questions' with BGN leading up to Sunday's Giants-Eagles encounter.

By Ed Valentine
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

For those of you who don't know, SB Nation's Philadelphia Eagles web site, Bleeding Green Nation, is under new management these days. Brandon Lee Gowton is head honcho over there these days as the site has passed from jasonB to JimmyK to Brandon since last season.

With the Giants facing the Eagles this week it is time for our weekly 'Five Questions' segment. This is our first time hearing from Brandon. Let's see how he handled my questions.

Ed: What are your thoughts on Chip Kelly so far? Do you think that, long-term, he will be successful in the NFL?

Brandon: I really liked the Chip Kelly hire for the Eagles when it happened and I still do. Initial results aren't perfect, but four games is way too small of a sample to indicate his long term success. When Jimmy Johnson entered the NFL, he went 1-15 in his first season. Philadelphia was 4-12 in 2012 and they have had a number of poor drafts in the past. Patience is a virtue for the Eagles as Chip Kelly needs the time to build his ideal roster. Kelly is largely responsible for the Eagles' historical offensive pace so far.

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Ed: Defensively the Eagles are last in the league in yardage allowed. What are the primary issues with the defense?

Brandon: What isn't the issue? The Eagles are bad on defense all across the board.

For one, the talent isn't there. There are no real playmakers, the pass rush is pedestrian, the linebackers miss tackles, and the secondary is much maligned. Additionally, Eagles' defensive coordinator Bill Davis isn't exactly inspiring. The Eagles are transitioning from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 base. Let's just say the transition hasn't been smooth.

Ed: You're coaching the Giants this week. How would attack the Eagles, offensively and defensively?

Brandon: On offense, why not just try anything? Passing is probably the best way to go, but you can't go wrong. On defense... gosh, I wouldn't even want to have to come up with a plan to stop the Eagles offense. Getting pressure on Michael Vick would certainly help, since he's holding onto the ball for very long, but then there's still LeSean McCoy to worry about. If I'm NYG, I put a huge emphasis on forcing turnovers. Or just let the Eagles get in scoring position and kick FGs, since PHI is struggling with their red zone offense.

Ed: Which player would you like to take off the Giants' roster and put in the Eagles' lineup.

Brandon: Victor Cruz on the Eagles would be the ultimate heel turn. I can't imagine the horror on Giants' fan faces as he salsa dances in the end zone time after time after scoring touchdowns in Chip Kelly's offense. But seriously, the Eagles could upgrade on their current slot WR: Jason Avant. He can be a reliable target but he isn't a dynamic weapon by any stretch (only 27 YAC).

The Eagles need more help on defense, so CB Prince Amukamara would probably make more sense, but I couldn't pass up this opportunity.

Ed: Players who have been a pleasant surprise for the Eagles thus far? Players who have disappointed?

Brandon: Both on defense. Cedric Thornton has been a fine starter at 3-4 DE, and Chip Kelly even lauded him as one of the team's best defenders at this point... although that's not saying much. Still, credit to Ced.

The biggest disappointment has been former second round pick Mychal Kendricks. He had a great training camp but he's missed a plethora of tackles and his coverage numbers look bad too.

Thanks to Brandon for the insight. I know I don't have to remind you to play nice when you visit BGN this week, but I'm going to. Play nice when you visit BGN this week!

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