tr1
September-28th-2007, 05:23 AM
I'm anxious to see what Spagnuolo does to defense the Eagles...and if it works...
BY KATIE STRANG | caitlin.strang@newsday.com
http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/giants/ny-spgnotes285393266sep28,0,763602.story
Steve Spagnuolo doesn't have much room in his hectic schedule, but after practice yesterday, he said he's been putting in extra hours this week.
The Giants' defensive coordinator will face the Eagles, with whom he spent the previous eight years. He said he'd be lying if he said this game doesn't have a little bit of a different feeling.
"It's like playing a pick-up basketball game outside with your brother. Sometimes you try harder to beat them," Spagnuolo said. "I'm looking forward to it."
But he knows he's facing a daunting opponent. His defense must prepare for the lethal combination of Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook. Although some have speculated that McNabb's mobility hasn't been the same since last year's knee surgery, Spagnuolo said McNabb, who passed for 381 yards and four touchdowns last week in a 56-21 rout of the Lions, remains an offensive force.
"He is still very scary," Spagnuolo said. "I have a lot of respect for him and we treat him as if he is still the athlete he was when he first came up. We are not going to change that."
As far as Westbrook is concerned, Spagnuolo has made sure his players are aware of the threat he presents not only on the ground but in the passing game. Philadelphia's all-purpose back has amassed a league-leading 514 yards, 291 on the ground and 223 in receiving yardage.
And Spagnuolo isn't counting on an abdominal strain to keep Westbrook out of Sunday night's game. "I am sure we will see him," he said, "and I'm sure he will be fine."
Injury report
RBs Brandon Jacobs (knee) and Derrick Ward (ankle) returned to practice but were limited. Plaxico Burress did not participate but worked out on the sideline with WR Steve Smith (shoulder), who is out for Sunday. When asked if he expects Westbrook to play, DE Justin Tuck laughed and said, "Absolutely. He could have a leg and a half and he'd still be active."
BY KATIE STRANG | caitlin.strang@newsday.com
http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/giants/ny-spgnotes285393266sep28,0,763602.story
Steve Spagnuolo doesn't have much room in his hectic schedule, but after practice yesterday, he said he's been putting in extra hours this week.
The Giants' defensive coordinator will face the Eagles, with whom he spent the previous eight years. He said he'd be lying if he said this game doesn't have a little bit of a different feeling.
"It's like playing a pick-up basketball game outside with your brother. Sometimes you try harder to beat them," Spagnuolo said. "I'm looking forward to it."
But he knows he's facing a daunting opponent. His defense must prepare for the lethal combination of Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook. Although some have speculated that McNabb's mobility hasn't been the same since last year's knee surgery, Spagnuolo said McNabb, who passed for 381 yards and four touchdowns last week in a 56-21 rout of the Lions, remains an offensive force.
"He is still very scary," Spagnuolo said. "I have a lot of respect for him and we treat him as if he is still the athlete he was when he first came up. We are not going to change that."
As far as Westbrook is concerned, Spagnuolo has made sure his players are aware of the threat he presents not only on the ground but in the passing game. Philadelphia's all-purpose back has amassed a league-leading 514 yards, 291 on the ground and 223 in receiving yardage.
And Spagnuolo isn't counting on an abdominal strain to keep Westbrook out of Sunday night's game. "I am sure we will see him," he said, "and I'm sure he will be fine."
Injury report
RBs Brandon Jacobs (knee) and Derrick Ward (ankle) returned to practice but were limited. Plaxico Burress did not participate but worked out on the sideline with WR Steve Smith (shoulder), who is out for Sunday. When asked if he expects Westbrook to play, DE Justin Tuck laughed and said, "Absolutely. He could have a leg and a half and he'd still be active."