National Football League

Eagles expect tougher Giants 'D' in rematch

Published Dec. 16, 2009 8:26 p.m. ET

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The Philadelphia Eagles rolled up 391 yards of offense and 40 points in a rout of the New York Giants six weeks ago.

They're not expecting a repeat in the rematch.

``They're sixth in the league in defense,'' Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said Thursday. ``They're a fine defense. That kind of game happens every now and then. The past has little to do with what's going to happen this week.''

The Eagles offense was nearly flawless in a 40-17 win on Nov. 1 at Lincoln Financial Field, rushing for 180 yards and averaging almost seven yards per carry. Donovan McNabb threw three touchdown passes and completed more than 70 percent of his passes.

Several Giants defenders said they were embarrassed by their performance.

Sunday night, the two teams meet again as the Giants try to get even - for the last meeting and in the standings. New York (7-5) is one game behind NFC East co-leaders Dallas and Philadelphia, both 8-4, and could, with a win over the Eagles and a Cowboys loss to San Diego, emerge in a three-way tie for first place with three games to play.

The Eagles have won three straight against the Giants, including a win in last year's NFC divisional playoffs.

In Philly's November win, rookie LeSean McCoy ran for 82 yards and a touchdown and fullback Leonard Weaver ran for 75 yards and a touchdown. McNabb's quarterback rating of 146.7 was the fifth-highest of his career and the 40 points was the most the Eagles have scored against the Giants since they posted 47 in 1992.

The Giants defense has since taken on a new look.

Jon Goff, a second-year player, has taken over at middle linebacker for Antonio Pierce, out for the season with a neck injury. Former Green Bay Packer Aaron Rouse is starting at strong safety and cornerback Aaron Ross, back from a hamstring injury, and is playing safety as much as cornerback. Pass rusher Osi Umenyiora is coming off the bench.

``I think they have gotten a little bit better with some of the moves they made,'' Mornhinweg said. ``And I'm sure they will have a few things in for us.''

Philadelphia's offense is still churning along: The Eagles are coming off a 34-7 pasting of Atlanta.

McNabb is looking for a typical Eagles-Giants showdown, counting the last game as an aberration.

``Every time we play them it's a battle,'' McNabb said. ``One game is always different than the next and I think that the way we are going to approach this game is just making sure we eliminate turnovers, move the ball, score touchdowns, and try to win.

``I think this particular week they are coming off a big win (over Dallas) and we're coming off a big win (over Atlanta) as well. So what you have are two teams who are confident and looking forward to playing and excited about the opportunity we have.''

NOTES: Wide receiver DeSean Jackson, expected back after missing last week with a concussion, also will return to his role as punt returner. Rookie Jeremy Maclin took his place last week. The Eagles have not allowed a running back to gain more than 100 yards in 19 straight regular-season games and 22 straight including the postseason. The last back to go over 100 yards against the Eagles was the Giants' Brandon Jacobs.