Philadelphia Eagles Could End Up Becoming the New York Giants of Last Year

This year, the Eagles stumbled into the playoffs with a 9-6-1 record. So it turns out, that tie with Cincinnati didn't cost them their season after all. They made it in on week 17 by destroying NFC East rival Dallas Cowboys 44-6. They also got a little help from the Oakland Raiders and Houston Texans after they both won against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Chicago Bears.

So with the Eagles having recently defeated the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Wild Card game 26-14, now it is time for the Eagles to head to the Meadowlands in New Jersey to face off against the NFC East rival and defending Super Bowl Champions.

Last time these two teams met it in week 14 was a true "gridiron" game dominated by defense. The Eagles came into the Meadowlands desperate for a win and out hustled the Giants for a 20-14 win. Running back Brian Westbrook had 203 all-purpose yards and nearly out gained the Giants who only had a total of 211 yards in the game.

Eli Manning was shut out after completing only seven-of-21 for a total of 66 yards before the touchdown in the fourth quarter. Donovan McNabb completed 19-of-30 for a total of 191 yards.

Back in week 10 the Giants stormed into Lincoln Financial Field on a Sunday night to beat the Eagles 36-31. Brandon Jacobs could not be stopped as he had 22 rushes for a total of 126 yards and 2 touchdowns. Brian Westbrook was held to only 13 carries for a total of 26 yards. Both Eli Manning and Donovan McNabb passed for over 190 yards with at least two touchdowns. McNabb's three passing touchdowns couldn't not keep the Eagles alive without Westbrook and they lost because of it.

Based on the two regular season meetings, we know a couple things:

1. Home field means NOTHING as both teams won at each other's stadiums.
2. The team that stops the rush game of the other team will win.
3. Passing the ball will not completely win the game for either team.
   

Here are the Keys to Success for the Eagles:

• Stop Brandon Jacobs from running the ball for big gains.
• Get pressure on Eli and turnovers will come.
• The Eagles secondary needs to have another strong performance once again led by Brian Dawkins.

Here are the Keys of Success for the Giants:

• Stop Brian Westbrook and McNabb will fold under pressure.
• Take advantage of your experienced O-Line.
• Don't turn the ball over, or else you will be in for a long game.

If the Eagles can pull off the victory, they will become the so called "New York Giants of last year," a title that they wouldn't mind having as long as they win the Super Bowl as the Giants did last year.

E-A-G-L-E-S.... EAGLES!!

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