FIRST STEP

The GIANTS are completely healthy.  That is what the bye week does for you.  It gave them a chance to heal physically and rest mentally.  They had played 13 straight weeks, 10 of them against opponents with winning records.

Having Brandon Jacobs back at full strength and in full voice will be the key to this game.  Jacobs missed the last contest against the Eagles, and it was also the first week without Plaxico Burress.  You will see some different formations this week.  Things they have been saving, and things they have learned along the way.  In the Baltimore game the GIANTS lined up with 4 wide-receivers, and then ran the ball.  This week look for the 2 back 2 tight end formation, and pass plays instead of runs from that formation.  They will continue running from the shot gun formation also.  For the GIANTS, these are trick plays!  Look for Bradshaw and Ward to catch some screen passes to slow the Eagles blitzes.

The defense will also employ a few different looks.  Nickel and Dime defenses will be used often.  The thought of 3 safeties to help shadow Westbrook and get more quick rushers on McNabb.  I think you will also see a few zone-blitzes where the defensive linemen drop into covergae and clog some of the short passing lanes that Donovan used so effectively in Minnesota.

However, as we have stated all year long:  Be yourself....Run The Ball, be physical, keep field position, and no turnovers.  Special Teams and Turnovers decide the playoffs!

GIANTS favored by 4.......I hear it will be cold and snowy in the Meadowlands.  GIANTS weather.

NFC Championship game January 18th at 3:00pm Eastern.