Approach to the Game – Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants, November 22, 1998: The players now know that all hopes for a playoff spot have vanished. They also know that Head Coach Jim Fassel will be back in 1999. Thus, it is fairly obvious that all 53 men on the roster will be auditioning for starting jobs in 1999. Fassel will be looking to weed out the slackers, defeatists, and those who come up short in the talent department. Most of the Giants’ roster is filled with very young players. Let’s hope they know the gravity of their situation. Some of these guys may be bagging groceries in the not-too-distant future. Now let’s talk about a “sense of urgency.”
Giants on Offense: QB Danny Kanell was finally benched this week. He may never see the starting job again. For now Kent Graham assumes command. The good news is that Kent has a very strong arm, a fiery personality, and a fresh outlook. The bad news is that he is a journeyman with inconsistent accuracy (especially on his short throws) and limited mobility. Don’t expect miracles from Graham. But we should see a guy more willing to take chances throwing the ball down the field. Also, don’t underestimate the effect of Graham’s personality on the offense. He is much more outgoing and emotional than the reserved Kanell.
The players most likely to benefit from the quarterback switch are the receivers. Moreover, second and third teamers like Amani Toomer, Joe Jurevicius, and Brian Alford may benefit the most as Graham has worked with these guys far more in practice than the starters. The Eagles have two solid cornerbacks in Bobby Taylor and Troy Vincent. Both are big and can be physical. The Giants may want to attack the safeties and nickel back Tim McTyer more.
Rumors and potential changes run rampant on the offensive line. There is talk that the Giants will move RT Scott Gragg to left guard next year. Reserves Jerry Reynolds, Derek Engler, and Lonnie Palelei got in the game last week. Toby Myles will be activated and may see some playing time. Greg Bishop and Ron Stone should be able to handle the defensive tackles. LT Roman Oben will face DE Hugh Douglas, who has an impressive 12.5 sacks on the year. Oben is coming off a rough game and will be looking to rebound. RT Scott Gragg also had a rough game last week. He faces Greg Jefferson and Gragg had better start playing a lot better soon.
Graham’s best ally could be the running game. The Eagles are light in the front seven and the Giants may be able to power the ball on them. FB Charles Way, TE Howard Cross, and OC Lance Scott could play key roles in getting out on the Eagle linebackers. WLB William Thomas is a Giant-killer. HB Gary Brown is well-suited to the power game, but there is some speculation that Tyrone Wheatley will see some serious playing time this week. He has much better speed and brings a big play dimension to the halfback spot.
Giants on Defense: The Giants’ defense was embarrassed last week. For two weeks in a row, they have played poorly against the run. This has to change if the Giants are to win on Sunday. HB Charlie Garner has played well in recent weeks and can score from anywhere on the field. I was a big fan of HB Duce Staley when he came out of college. Both backs can run and catch. FB Kevin Turner is an underrated player who can beat you in a lot of ways as well. The Giants need to be physical upfront.
DE Chad Bratzke faces rookie LT Tra Thomas — that will be an interesting match-up. A healthy Michael Strahan should dramatically out-perform RT Richard Cooper — the question is how healthy is Strahan? The play of Keith Hamilton and Robert Harris is probably the key to the game. The Giants need them to dominate the interior of the line and allow the linebackers to run and make plays. If one of these two guys starts dogging it, it would be wise to get Christian Peter into the contest. Marcus Buckley has been getting a lot of grief for his play against the run, but from where I stand, Jessie Armstead has been far too weak in this department as well. MLB Corey Widmer had better elevate his game quickly if he wants to re-sign for good money. Guys like Scott Galyon (who has not played well recently), Doug Colman, and Ryan Phillips wait in the wings.
Where the linebackers and strong safety (be it Sam Garnes or Percy Ellsworth) need to be solid is in pass coverage. The Eagles like to throw to their backs and tight ends. TE Jason Dunn has big play potential. The Eagles may adopt the Skins’ strategy of attacking the Giants, using the short-passing game.
When the Eagles throw the ball down the field, they will probably attack the Giant safeties. Why not? These guys have been the weak spot in the secondary all year. WR Irving Fryar has not had a great season, but he usually gives the Giants problems.
If the Giants can stuff the run and not let the short passing game nickel-and-dime them to death, then they should be able to get after QB Bobby Hoying, who has struggled this year. Putting the Eagles in constant third-and-longs will probably lead to turnovers.
Giants on Special Teams: Rookie kick and punt returner Allen Rossum is a dangerous one. The Eagles punt and kick coverage has been stronger this season.