We're two days away from Eagles-Giants and a chance to make a move in the NFC East. One of the keys to Sunday's game is the running game, and that's something that kicks off our 5 Things To Know Today for Friday, October 4 ...
1. RUNNING GAME LOOKS TO HAVE SUCCESS AGAINST GIANTS
The Eagles lead the NFL in rushing offense, while New York's defense ranks 28th in the NFL against the run. What does it all mean for Sunday?
"I think we have confidence that we can run against anybody," said offensive guard Evan Mathis. "The Giants have a good front and they get to the football, but we have a lot of confidence in the ground game. That's just who we are."
The Eagles have had some big moments with running backs in the history against New York ...
• Brian Westbrook had 33 carries for 130 yards and a touchdown and another 6 catches for 72 yards and a score against New York in 2008.
• Tom "Silky" Sullivan scored 3 touchdowns against New York in 1974.
• Way back in 1952, John Brewer scored on a 71-yard touchdown against the Giants.
2. INJURY UPDATE AND HELP FOR THE GIANTS 'D'
As of Friday morning, the Giants were hurting. Eight players did not participate in Thursday's practice and another three were limited in practice. How many will make it to Sunday's critical game against the Eagles? It could be that New York's offensive line is again challenged by injury. Out on Thursday: Starting center David Baas and starting guard Chris Snee. Veteran David Diehl returns from injury and is slated to start at one guard spot.
New York is also banged up on defense, with cornerbacks Corey Webster, Aaron Ross and Jayron Hosley missing practice on Thursday. Two interior defensive linemen missed practice both Wednesday and Thursday – former Eagle Cullen Jenkins and tackle Linval Joseph.
However, help is on the way as the Giants have reportedly agreed to terms on a trade with the Carolina Panthers to acquire three-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker Jon Beason in exchange for a late-round draft pick. Beason has only played in seven games since suffering an Achilles injury in the 2011 season opener. He also had knee surgery in 2012. Giants middle linebacker Mark Herzlich was limited in Thursday's practice with a toe injury.
3. TUNE IN TO OUR COMPLETE COVERAGE
Our coverage of the Eagles game at MetLife Stadium starts at 11 a.m. on Sunday as we bring you the full slate of Eagles Television Network shows right up until 12:30 p.m., when our Kickoff Show airs until the game begins. During the game, stay with us on PhiladelphiaEagles.com and our digital channels for a live chat, game photos and the latest information. We are live with our Halftime Show and then join Bo Wulf, Adam Caplan and A.J. Feeley for our Post-Game Show, presented by Ricoh.
To get ready for the game between now and then, take a look at our Multimedia Section for all of our coverage this week.
4. WHAT A DIFFERENCE A SEASON MAKES
The Eagles lost the last game of the 2012 season to the Giants at MetLife Stadium, a 42-7 defeat that marked the end of the Andy Reid regime. Not only that, but it was the final game for many of the players who suited up for the Eagles that dreary day.
Of the 22 starters who played for the Eagles on December 30, 2012, only 12 will be in uniform this Sunday. And of the 46 players active that day, only 22 remain on the Eagles' roster.
To complete the picture, three players who were inactive last December will play on Sunday: Defensive lineman Fletcher Cox, linebacker Mychal Kendricks and running back Chris Polk.
5. PRO SHOP EVENT TODAY!
The team's Pro Shop in Cherry Hill, N.J. has a big day today starting at 1 p.m. when Connor Barwin and Mychal Kendricks make an in-store appearance to meet fans and sign autographs. 94 WIP broadcasts live with Glen Macnow and Anthony Gargano, and, of course, SWOOP makes it all so special. Click here for more information.
