Eagles-Giants scouting report

BRANDON JACOBS: Speedy, powerful

Eagles on offense: Donovan McNabb looked as healthy and productive as he has in a while in leading the Eagles over the Vikings last Sunday. There's no doubt McNabb has a terrific arm, but decision making was always his downfall. He made all the right ones against Minnesota, completing 23 of 34 passes for 300 yards and a score. It was a particularly clutch performance considering Brian Westbrook (20 carries, 38 yards) couldn't get out of his own way until a late screen pass he took 71 yards for a touchdown. Little-known tight end Brent Celek had six catches for 56 yards. Celek is smart, athletic, and thrives underneath. Jason Avant (good speed and toughness) is becoming a dependable slot receiver. Cocky rookie DeSean Jackson (good wheels) is McNabb's deep threat. The running game stalled vs. the Vikings and the Eagles have little chance to win in the Meadowlands if the shifty, speedy Westbrook doesn't get on track.

Giants on defense: New York loves to hound the quarterback. Justin Tuck has developed into and elite pass rusher, but has been hobbled by a lower-leg injury. Tuck (13 sacks) will collapse the pocket from every direction if near full strength. Mathias Kiwanuka (8 sacks) is quick and athletic but lacks bulk, while Fred Robbins (5 1/2 sacks) brings the heat from the inside. Linebacker Antonio Pierce (95 tackles) has an explosive first step and tremendous range. James Butler (6 feet 3 inches, 215 pounds) is a rangy safety with 68 tackles and three interceptions.

Giants on offense: Run first and ask questions later, that's the Giants' philosophy. And when you have a pair of 1,000-yard rushers and the best offensive line in the game, it's clearly the right philosophy. Brandon Jacobs (6-4, 264 pounds) possesses an almost unfair combination of speed and power. Jacobs (1,089 yards) runs hard and with authority. He likes to lower his shoulders and bring the pain. Derrick Ward (1,025 yards) has deceptive strength and speed. He's at his best when he makes one cut and bolts. Eli Manning is a cerebral quarterback who has his teammates' respect. Manning makes quick reads and has good zip on over-the-middle throws. He has a nice touch on screen plays and throws the best fade pass in the business (take that, Peyton). Of course, without the banished Plaxico Burress, there's nobody to catch those fades. Steve Smith is the top receiver. He has good quickness and route-running skills. Wily veteran Amani Toomer (great hands) and Domenik Hixon (he'll get physical) are other options.

Eagles on defense: Manning will have to be aware of ballhawking cornerback Asante Samuel. A tremendous cover man, Samuel has a penchant for making big plays at key times. Trent Cole continues to impress. After registering 77 tackles and nine sacks during the regular season, the lightning-quick end collected 14 tackles vs. the Vikings. Linebacker Chris Gocong is a violent hitter who makes plays from sideline to sideline.

Special teams: The Giants have a couple of Pro Bowl special teamers in kicker John Carney and punter Jeff Feagles. Carney, a 20-year veteran, connected on 35 of 38 field goals, including a 51-yarder . . . Feagles, a 21-year veteran, averaged 44 yards on 64 punts . . . Ahmad Bradshaw averaged 22.2 yards on 39 kickoff returns and Hixon averaged 10.1 yards on 24 punt returns . . . Philadelphia's Quintin Demps averaged 25.3 yards on 52 kickoff returns with one TD . . . Jackson had a 62-yard punt return vs. Minnesota . . . Former Australian Rules Football player Sav Rocca averaged 43.3 yards on 77 punts for the Eagles . . . Philly's David Akers was 4 for 4 on field goal attempts last week.

Miscellany: The NFC East rivals split in the regular season, with the Giants winning a Week 10 game, 36-31, and the Eagles winning in Week 14, 20-14 . . . The Giants started 11-1 before losing three of their last four.