Giants vs. Eagles 2013 game preview: Philadelphia attempts to sweep New York

The Eagles will host the Giants in a rematch from Week 5, when Philadelphia came out victorious on the road in the Meadowlands. The Giants are finally coming off a win after a lackluster performance against the Vikings on Monday Night Football, while the Eagles struggled mightily with the Cowboys during a loss in Week 7. Eagles starting quarterback Michael Vick has been out of action since the win over the Giants in Week 5 and is expected to return this week.

The Eagles are coming off easily their worst loss of the season. Philadelphia was held to three points by the Cowboys defense and while Philadelphia's defense finally showed up, Dallas still pulled ahead. Luckily for the Eagles, Nick Foles will not be starting following his horrid performance. Foles has a concussion and it is likely that Vick will retake the reigns on Sunday against the Giants. The Eagles need a win to get to 4-4 and stay close to Dallas for the division lead.

The Giants are beaten up and their play has shown that to be a major issue this season. New York has lost its top three running backs as well as a good portion of its offensive line. On top of those injuries, quarterback Eli Manning has been a complete turnover machine. New York beat the Vikings in Week 7 and held them to just seven points. If the Giants can reproduce that defensive success against the Eagles, they may walk away with a road win.

It's unclear whether if Vick is 100%. Last week, reports indicated the veteran QB could miss time beyond the Cowboys game. Vick is still recovering from a pulled hamstring he suffered in Week 5. Yesterday, it was reported Vick would play against the Giants even if he isn't fully healthy.

Nick Foles, who had been filling in for the injured Vick, is dealing with a concussion that knocked him out of the game vs. Dallas. There hasn't been an update on his status. He can't return to practice until he passes mandatory concussion testing.

Beyond Vick and Foles, the Eagles' don't have any reliable options. Matt Barkley is a rookie, and it certainly showed against the Cowboys. GJ Kinne was signed to the practice squad today as an emergency backup.

Perhaps the Giants should send flowers to Minnesota coach Leslie Frazier, thanking him for starting the woefully ineffective Josh Freeman (20-of-53) at quarterback, but this was a great effort from a unit that has been maligned for much of the season.

The Vikings' only score came on an 86-yard punt return by Marcus Sherels. The defense has now given up only three points in its last six quarters of play.

Justin Tuck got the Giants only sack of Freeman, but Pro Football Focus said Tuck, Shaun Rogers and Jason Pierre-Paul combined for 20 pressures. A Rogers' pressure led to a third-quarter interception, which negated a Rueben Randle fumble. Rogers' six pressures in 19 pass rush snaps earned him PFF's highest pass-rushing productivity score of the week, a 23.7. I guess this is why Rogers was playing and rookie Johnathan Hankins was inactive.

Lions release Tony Scheffler. Remember when the Eagles helped Detroit get him? Three way trade that helped Philly land Ernie Sims!

— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) October 22, 2013

David Baas Injury: Starting center KO'd by knee injury this time #nyg #nygiants http://t.co/MipGn4K4Uy

— Ed Valentine (@bigblueview) October 22, 2013

When is someone going to yell from a mountain: "Nick Foles makes Josh Freeman look like Andrew Walter!!!!"

— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) October 22, 2013

The Eagles will take on the Raiders in Oakland in Week 9. The Giants have a bye after this game.