Giants ST vs. Eagles ST

The Eagles always seem to find a way to get a big play on special teams when they're playing the Giants, whether a long return or a crucial field goal. This game has the smell of one those special contests, where the lead changes several times, both teams fight like hell for 60 minutes and the win comes down to a last second field goal.

Giants ST:

The loss of Chad Morton to a torn ACL may end up being a painful one, as he seemed to be gaining momentum as the season progressed. In fact, he was able to break off a 38 yard punt return against these very Eagles on December 17, one week before he was injured. Rookie Sinorice Moss is now returning kicks and could make himself an instant fan favorite by tearing off a long run, especially one during crunch time. For the season, the Giants averaged 8.7 yards per punt return, while stumbling on kickoffs, averaging only 20.1 YPR. It's put up or shut up time now and poor play during the regular season can be quickly forgotten with one good play.

The Giants coverage units are one of the best in the NFL, led by gunner David Tyree. They're allowing a paltry 5.8 yards per punt return and a more average 22.4 yards per kickoff return. The idea is to keep the return yardage limited, no matter the regular season stats.

Giants kicker Jay Feely has had a strong season, connecting on 23 of 27 tries. His attempts must be kept under 45 yards, as his leg isn't the strongest in the NFL. Punter Jeff Feagles is as consistent as they get and has downed 27 balls inside the opponents 20. Wind isn't supposed to be a factor in Philly tomorrow, so kickers should not be negatively affected.

Philly ST:

Reno Mahe has been the primary kickoff returner for the Eagles and has done a solid job, averaging 22.2 yards per return. In fact, he had a 64 yarder the las ttime these teams met. The idea is to hold on to the ball and he has, for the most part, though he has fumbled twice on returns. Those are the kind of turnovers that can change a game and something both teams must avoid. Mahe returns punts as well and has performed nicely, averaging 9.4 YPR.

Philly is allowing opponents an average of 9.3 yards per punt return, which must be making Moss and the coaching staff of the Giants drool. The Philly defense has been on a recent roll, so any field position advantages would help. They're closer to the league average on kickoff coverage, allowing 23.2 YPR.

Philly placekicker David Akers has one of the stronger, more accurate legs in the NFL and loves to find his way down field on kickoff coverage. Fans remember the week 2 game when Akers got his rear end kicked for taking on their bench and slamming into an assistant. Punter Dirk Johnson is average by NFL standards.

As stated, the game is going to be crazy. Philly fans are bound to be hammered by game time and are certainly going to let the Giants have it with all they've got. A back-breaking special teams play would be exactly when the doctor ordered to seal their lips and send a hush over Lincoln Field. Nothing would be nicer to see from a Giants perspective.