New York Giants 2013: Eagles Rush Offense Presents Tall Order

Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The Giants have done a respectable job containing the run in the opening four weeks. Led by their interior linemen, the Giants are allowing 3.9 yards per rush with a long run against of 27. However, the stiffest challenge to date lies ahead in week five. The Eagles rushing attack is a “rare bird” in terms of productivity, speed of operation and scheme. Chip Kelly runs a no huddle/shotgun system, with his precious unit ranking atop the National Football League in yards per game (198.3) and YPC (6.1). Perennial Giants killer, LeSean McCoy, leads the league in ground yardage with 468. Oh by the way, they also have the scrambling legs of Michael Vick, who has out-rushed David Wilson 228 to 130.

Philadelphia has found robust success running behind left guard Evan Mathis and center Jason Kelce, both of whom grade out as the top run blockers at their respective positions. The table below serves to illustrate this point:

On the opposite end of the line, rookie Lane Johnson has struggled out of the gate in both pass and run blocking. The Eagles have been hesitant to run over his right tackle position (seven rushes for 26 yards).

Giants’ fans are well aware of the potential for imminent danger every time McCoy touches the rock. Here’s the latest statistical confirmation: he already boasts touchdown runs of 41 and 34 yards; 172 of his 468 rushing yards have come after first contact. According to official stats from Pro Football Focus, McCoy has dodged 17 would-be tacklers; he’s averaging 20.7 yards after catch on his seven receptions, including a 70-yarder vs. SD.

A pair of visuals from week 1 at Washington and week 3 vs. KC:

GIF Credit: NFL Game Rewind

GIF Credit: NFL Game Rewind

To further hamstring the Giants against a run-dependent opponent, defensive tackles Linval Joseph (ankle/knee), Cullen Jenkins (knee/Achilles) and Shaun Rogers (back) all were unable to participate in Wednesday’s practice. With JPP also less than 100% after getting his knee rolled up on (knee bruise) in the fourth quarter against Kansas City, a youth movement appears to be in order out of necessity. If the condition of aforementioned players remains status quo, look for the initial activation of 2^nd round DT Johnathan Hankins on Sunday, and a large spike in snaps for 3^rd rounder Damontre Moore.