Eli's Take

Well, it looks like we're not going to have any video today because, I believe, there's a problem with the server. Thankfully, it's not with my computer, so perhaps tomorrow we can get things up and running as usual again.

In the meantime, I did have some Eli Manning video prepared. Here's what he said. Just make believe, for now, that you can see his head and his lips are moving.

"You approach every game the same," Manning said when asked about whether he regards the Eagles as anything special, considering they've beaten the Giants three straight games. "You go out there and prepare. You try to put your team in good situations and you have to make plays.

"Everybody has got to come together. Everybody has got to do their job and you play and win as a team. When everybody comes together, that’s offense, defense, special teams, and everybody plays the way we are capable of, then we will be in good shape."

That's kind of been the problem this year, however. Everybody hasn't played the way they're capable of. Brandon Jacobs hasn't run to expectations, and the defense for the most part hasn't risen above its injuries.

But then again, late-season division games have a way of pushing teams past the annoyances of the season.

"Every division game is going to be big," Manning said. "But when you get into December and things are winding down and playoff spots are becoming an important factor, it is always going to be a big game. The NFC East always seems to be a tight race at the end and it is between a couple teams. These games are always important and big. This time of year needs to be when you are playing your best football."

Just so you know, I noticed a pass in practice where he seemed to be favoring that right heel. Combined with that and at least three throws against Dallas where I feel the heel factored in, and I truly believe he's being bothered by it. However, he's not one to complain.



As for defensive end Justin Tuck, he didn't even realize the Eagles had beaten his team three straight, including last year's playoff loss, until a reporter brought it up to him.

"You want to win every game, obviously," Tuck said. "But we've had runs against them. We've won three in a row and blah, blah, blah, blah. We've just got to do a good job of killing their streak here."

Also was interesting to hear Tuck say he respected the Eagles as a team far more than he does Dallas. No wonder. Flozell Adams doesn't play in green and white.

Speaking of Mr. Adams, Tuck had no opinion on the tackle's reported $50,000 fine for pushing Tuck in the back.

"I could care less about Flozell," Tuck said.

EP