Tom Coughlin Talks About Michael Vick, Antrel Rolle, Victor Cruz And More

New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin made his weekly appearance on WFAN with Mike Francesa on Monday. In the wake of the Giants’ 29-16 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles there was much to discuss.

Here are some excerpts of Coughlin’s chat with Francesa. Sports Radio Interviews has the full transcript.

It’s a huge issue for the Philadelphia Eagles that Michael Vick cannot finish games the last two weeks, so credit your defense for knocking him out of the game:

“He is an incredible player in terms of being able to pull the ball down. As we know only too well he will put the burden of everything on his shoulders and he will take off. Now we did get him to do that a couple of times yesterday and he put the ball on the ground three times as well as the interceptions. Jason Peters made a heck of a play to get one fumble back for them, but he is the kind of player that he is going to come out of the pocket. He is going to run the bootleg. They will keep him as they have done in the past. They will allow him to keep it and run. He will just pull the ball down and take off, so you got an awful lot of your defense focused on containment and push in front of him and timing and not allowing the ball to be thrown so far down the field. He does take a lot of hits and that’s just part of the game and the position.”

You had Victor Cruz step up and make some big plays in this game. You gotta throw the ball up when guys are covered in this league and ask your receivers to go up and make plays:

“That’s kind of the way it was yesterday on that particular play. I thought Eli [Manning] did a real nice job with not only distributing the ball, but also making good solid decisions and getting the ball to people and not putting them into harms way. In this particular case he did trust that Victor would come back on the ball and he did.”

There seems to be a fine line between Antrel Rolle providing leadership and being out of control in these games?

“Well let me just say this: He is a physical force. He’s down at the line of scrimmage. He makes a lot of plays tackling down close to the line of scrimmage. There was some back-and-fourth yesterday. I’m not going to defend or say what I thought really took place there, but one of the reasons that I had spoke to the officials was when I thought they had to be sharp at that point in time to keep the game under control because no one wants to lose a player because they get too emotionally involved. We had talked about this going into the game. As a matter of fact at halftime Antrel really came to me and said just all the right things about the second half.”

Week 4 NFL Power Rankings: Jets Slide To No. 6, Giants Rise To No. 14

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Michael Vick: Now His Hand Is Not Broken

First, Michael Vick has a broken hand. Then he is complaining about not getting calls from officials. Now, it turns out his hand is not broken after all.

Philadelphia coach Andy Reid said today that a CT scan revealed only bruising, and that if the swelling in the hand subsides enough this week Vick could play on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers.

Vick was apparently injured when hit by Giants defensive tackle Chris Canty after throwing a pass in the third quarter. Vick landed on the right hand, which he used to try and brace his fall as he hit the ground.

Only once in his career has Vick managed to play all 16 games in a season. If he is unable to start on Sunday the Eagles will have to choose between Vince Young and Mike Kafka.

— Join the discussion about Vick’s complaints over at Big Blue View.

Giants 29, Eagles 16: Play Of The Game

The play of the game in the New York Giants’ 29-16 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles was not one of the touchdown catches by Victor Cruz, the interceptions by Aaron Ross or the broken hand suffered by Eagles quarterback Michael Vick.

It was a fourth-down stop made by New York linebacker Michael Boley with just over 11 minutes to go.

Facing fourth-and-one at the New York 43-yard line with a 16-14 lead, Philadelphia coach Andy Reid chose to go for the first down rather than punt and pin a Giants offense that did nothing in the second and third quarters deep in its own territory.

LeSean McCoy, who was brilliant all day and wound up with 128 yards rushing, slipped one tackle and tried to bounce to the outside. Boley was the only defender with any shot at making the play, and he nailed McCoy for a three-yard loss, giving the ball to the Giants.

“He tried to get out the back door, but I was right there,” Boley said.

The Giants scored to take the lead a few plays later, and Philadelphia never scored again. Great play by Boley, but I have yet to see an explanation by Reid as to why he made the risky decision to go for it there, one that backfired and helped cost his team a game.

Michael Vick To Miss At Least Three Games For Eagles: Report

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick, who broke his right (non-throwing) hand in Sunday’s 29-16 loss to the New York Giants, will miss at least three games, according to a report.

Vick broke the hand when he was hit by Giants defensive tackle Chris Canty after throwing a pass. Vick tried to return, but played just one series and came out of the game.

Vick complained after the game that he is not afforded the same protection by officials that other NFL quarterbacks receive.

There’s no reason for it. I’m not going to go into a big dissertation about why I’m not getting the calls. … The refs have to do their jobs as well. … Everybody seen the game. I’m on the ground constantly, all the time. All the highlights, watching film every time I throw the ball, I’m on the ground. "I don’t know why I don’t get the 15-yard penalties like everyone else does.

Either Vince Young or Mike Kafka will play in Vick’s place.

Giants 29, Eagles 16: A Quick Look Back

Here is a quick look back at some of the highlights of Sunday's 29-16 victory by the New York Giants over the Philadelphia Eagles.

It Was Over When ...

Giants' safety Kenny Phillips intercepted a Mike Kafka pass with 1:49 remaining and the Giants ahead, 29-16. The Eagles were out of timeouts and the Giants just did three kneel downs to secure the victory.

Turning Point 

Leading 16-14 the Eagles faced fourth-and-one at the Giants' 43-yard line with 11:43 to play. Rather than punt and try to pin the struggling New York offense deep in its own territory, Philadelphia coach Andy Reid chose to go for the first down. LeSean McCoy was stopped for a three-year loss by Giants linebacker Michael Boley.

Seven plays later Victor Cruz outfought two Eagles, including Nnamdi Asomugha, to haul in a 28-yard touchdown pass. A successful two-point conversion gave the Giants a 22-16 lead they never relinquished.

Three Good Stats

1. Zero Turnovers -- The Giants had little margin for error against the Eagles, and they did not make any critical offensive mistakes. The Giants have now won six of their last seven games when they do not turn the ball over.
2. Eli Manning's 145.7 QB Rating -- This was the highest QB rating Manning ever recorded while playing the full game. He went 16-for-23 for 254 yards and four touchdowns.
3. Holding Philly to 1-for-5 in the Red Zone -- The Giants intercepted Michael Vick once in the end zone, had a goal line stand from inside the one-yard line on another possession and forced two field goals.

Three Bad Stats

1. Time Of Possession -- The Eagles controlled the ball for 36:51, compared to 23:09 for the Giants. It was New York, however, that came up with the quick-strike plays on offense.
2. 177 Yards Rushing Allowed -- The Giants had given up just 194 yards rushing in their first two games combined. LeSean McCoy of Philadelphia ran for 128 yards on 24 carries.
3. Three Sacks Allowed -- The Giants have surrendered nine sacks in three games. That is a lot more pressure on Manning than the Giants have allowed in recent years.

Three Stars

1. Victor Cruz -- Making his first career start with Mario Manningham sidelined and Domenik Hixon out for the year he caught three balls for 110 yards and two touchdows. The first TD was a 74-yard catch and run, the second a beautiful 28-yard grab at the goal line in which he out-fought two Philadelphia defenders.
2. Eli Manning -- Threw four touchdown passes, had a 145.7 QB rating (best of his career) and avoided the mistakes that have plagued him the past couple of seasons. 
3. Aaron Ross -- Two interceptions one week after being benched for poor play. The first interception killed an Eagles scoring opportunity deep in Giants' territory, the second helped preserve the fourth-quarter lead.

Next Week

The Giants travel to Arizona to face the Cardinals (4:05 p.m. ET).

Giants 29, Eagles 16: Eli Manning Throws Four TD Passes In New York Victory

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) – A maligned Giants defense peppered Michael Vick with hits, knocking him out with a broken hand, and Eli Manning threw four touchdown passes Sunday to lead New York to a 29-16 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.

After what happened last time these teams played, you might say the Giants owed their NFC East rivals one.

Manning threw two touchdown passes to Victor Cruz and one each to running backs Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw. Cruz and Bradshaw reached the end zone in the fourth quarter for the Giants (2-1), who scored 14 unanswered points to win the game.

The Eagles (1-2) trailed 14-0 in the first quarter, then scored 16 straight points to take the lead but Vick came out of another game, giving way to Mike Kafka for the second week in a row.

Vick was knocked out of last Sunday’s game against the Falcons because of a concussion, but passed his tests during the week and started against New York.

Although he suffered several hits in a bruising first half against the Giants, including one from Rocky Bernard that slammed his helmet on the turf, Vick likely broke his hand on a hard hit by Chris Canty later in the game.

Kafka came in with 8:07 remaining in the game and threw an interception on a deep pass down the right sideline. The Eagles trailed 22-16 at the time.

Giants Vs. Eagles, First-Quarter Score: Giants 14, Eagles 0

The New York Giants jumped out to a quick 14-90 lead in the first quarter of their showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

The Giants hit two long pass plays. Eli Manning hit Brandon Jacobs off play action for a 40-yard score. Later, Manning hit Victor Cruz for a 74-yard score.

The Eagles were driving early in the game, but Michael Vick was intercepted in the red zone by Aaron Ross. The ball was intended for former Giants Steve Smith and caromed off Smith’s hands.

The Giants ran only 12 first-quarter plays to 21 for Philadelphia, but the Giants have the lead.

Giants Vs. Eagles, First-Quarter Score: Giants 14, Eagles 0

The New York Giants jumped out to a quick 14-90 lead in the first quarter of their showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

The Giants hit two long pass plays. Eli Manning hit Brandon Jacobs off play action for a 40-yard score. Later, Manning hit Victor Cruz for a 79-yard score.

The Eagles were driving early in the game, but Michael Vick was intercepted in the red zone by Aaron Ross. The ball was intended for former Giants Steve Smith and caromed off Smith’s hands.

The Giants ran only 12 first-quarter plays to 21 for Philadelphia, but the Giants have the lead.

Giants At Eagles: New York A 9-Point Underdog

The New York Giants are a nine-point underdog for today's NFC East rivalry game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The game kicks off at 1 p.m. on FOX.

The Giants, of course, have lost to the Eagles six straight times. Included in that was last season unforgettable fourth-quarter collapse, with the Giants blowing a 21-point lead in the final eight minutes and losing, 38-31.

Eagles quarterback Michael Vick, who suffered a concussion last week, is expected to play. Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham, who also has a concussion, will not play for New York. The Giants also lost wide receiver Domenik Hixon this week with a torn ACL.

Both teams are 1-1 entering today's game.

Within this StoryStream you can find much more game analysis, including breakdowns of what to expect when each team has the ball. Visit Big Blue View for Giants discussion, and to join today's game thread. Visit Bleeding Green Nation for everything you need to know about the Eagles.

Giants At Eagles: When The Eagles Have The Ball

(Sports Network) – Assuming he’s available, dangerous dual threat Michael Vick will be at the controls of the NFL’s sixth-ranked offense (425.0 ypg) that contains a host of quality pass-catchers, with Maclin (14 receptions, 191 yards, 2 TD) fresh off a career-best output, Jackson (8 receptions, 1 TD) the big-play artist who’s averaged over 18 yards per reception for his career and slot receiver Jason Avant (4 receptions) and tight end Brent Celek (5 receptions) both sure-handed options underneath. The Eagles can run the ball as well, entering this week’s matchup second overall in rushing yards (184.5 ypg). That impressive total is boosted by Vick’s (122 rushing yards) uncanny ability to break containment out of the pocket, though top running back LeSean McCoy (217 rushing yards, 6 receptions) has more than done his part by averaging a robust 6.6 yards per carry and finding the end zone four times (3 rushing, 1 receiving) over the first two games.

Philadelphia’s potent passing game gets to face a battered New York defense that’s had its difficulties preventing enemy quarterbacks from airing it out, with both Washington’s Rex Grossman and St. Louis’ Sam Bradford eclipsing the 300-yard mark against the group in consecutive weeks. Injuries to starting cornerback Terrell Thomas and 2011 first-round pick Prince Amukamara have left the secondary with precious little depth, forcing free safety Antrel Rolle (16 tackles) to play out of position as a slot defender in nickel situations, while Thomas replacement Aaron Ross (6 tackles, 3 PD) was briefly benched after being burned for a few long-gainers in Monday’s win. Even without Umenyiora, who’s still on the mend from a preseason knee procedure, the Giants are well-stocked in the pass-rushing department, with All-Pro end Justin Tuck (5 tackles) returning from a neck stinger to post 1 1/2 sacks against the Rams and athletic second-year pro Jason Pierre-Paul (8 tackles) already registering 2 1/2 quarterback takedowns while subbing for Umenyiora. New York has been very tough in defending the run this year, with oversized linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka (8 tackles) and valued safety Kenny Phillips (13 tackles, 4 PD) heading up a crew that’s currently allowing only 66.5 rushing yards per game and a mere 3.0 yards per attempt.

Giants At Eagles: When The Giants Have The Ball

(Sports Network) – Look for the Giants to attack a Philadelphia defense which has had trouble stopping the run in the early going with its diverse two-back tandem of slasher Ahmad Bradshaw (103 rushing yards, 1 TD, 6 receptions) and pounder Brandon Jacobs (79 rushing yards, 1 TD), especially if second-leading receiver Manningham (7 receptions) isn’t cleared to go. The duo combined for a workmanlike 109 yards and a touchdown on 31 carries against the Rams, while quarterback Eli Manning (491 passing yards, 2 TD, 2 INT) overcame a slow start to throw for 223 yards and two scores in the win, connecting on 16 of his final 18 attempts. With Hixon out and Manningham questionable, New York may have to turn to raw youngster Victor Cruz, who owns just two career catches, to be the outside complement to top target Hakeem Nicks (11 receptions, 160 yards, 1 TD) when Manning drops back to pass, though the team did sign wily veteran Brandon Stokley prior to the St. Louis game. The projected return of starting tight end Travis Beckum from a strained hamstring that kept him out the first two weeks could help matters, while Bradshaw is a capable receiver out of the backfield as well. The Giants have encountered problems sustaining drives so far this year, having converted just 24 percent (6-for-25) of their third-down opportunities that includes a woeful 1-for-10 showing in a Week 1 loss at Washington.

Having permitted subpar averages of 146 rushing yards per game (30th overall) and 5.3 yards per carry over their initial two outings, the Eagles will be doing some reshuffling at the linebacker position in preparation for Sunday’s tilt, with first-year coordinator Juan Castillo moving struggling rookie Casey Matthews (11 tackles) from the middle to the weak side and moving second-year thumper Jamar Chaney (15 tackles) from the SAM position into Matthews’ original spot. The hope is the re-tooling will benefit a unit that’s allowed two runs of 47 yards or more already this season. Philadelphia has been far tougher to throw upon, with the stellar cornerback combo of playmaker Asante Samuel (7 tackles, 1 INT, 2 PD) and coveted offseason addition Nnamdi Asomugha (4 tackles, 1 INT) anchoring a secondary that’s yielding just 180.5 passing yards per game (5th overall). Both came up with interceptions of Atlanta’s Matt Ryan a week ago, while Samuel has snared a league-best 37 picks since 2006. The backfield is aided by a fierce pass rush that’s produced nine sacks (2nd overall) thus far, with two other prominent free-agent pickups — tackle Cullen Jenkins (6 tackles) and end Jason Babin (6 tackles) — each netting three apiece. They’re part of a strong line that also features two-time Pro Bowl end Trent Cole (9 tackles, 2 sacks), who’s generated double-digit sack totals in three of the past four seasons.

Michael Vick Expected To Play Vs. Giants: Full Injury Report

Michael Vick is expected to play Sunday against the New York Giants despite being listed as "questionable" on the Philadelphia Eagles official injury report. Vick suffered a concussion Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, but reportedly has been cleared by a neurosurgeon.

"There's no reason to think I won't play on Sunday," Vick told Albert Breer of the NFL Network. 

The Eagles will not commit to Vick starting, with the team's head athletic trainer, Rick Burkholder saying only "I think we're headed in that direction,"

For the Giants, wide receiver Mario Manningham is uncertain for Sunday's game. He suffered a concussion Monday against the St. Louis Rams and coach Tom Coughlin said Friday that Manningham was still undergoing tests to determine his availability.

The Giants also re-signed veteran wide receiver Michael Clayton on Friday and placed wide receiver/kick returner Domenik Hixon on injured reserve. Hixon suffered a torn ACL Monday against the Rams.

Here is the full Injury Report:

New York Giants

Out
Pos. Player Injury
CB Prince Amukamara Foot (DNP)
WR Domenik Hixon Knee (Injured Reserve)
DE Osi Umenyiora Knee (DNP)

Doubtful
Pos. Player Injury
WR Mario Manningham Concussion (DNP)

Probable
Pos. Player Injury
C David Baas Lower Leg (FP)
TE Travis Beckum Hamstring (FP)
DT Jimmy Kennedy Knee (FP)
DE Justin Tuck Personal (DNP)

Philadelphia Eagles

Out
Pos. Player Injury
DE Juqua Parker Ankle (DNP)
DE Darryl Tapp Pectoral (DNP)

Questionable
Pos. Player Injury
QB Michael Vick Concussion (FP)

Probable
Pos. Player Injury
S Nate Allen Knee (FP)
TE Brent Celek Hip (FP)
DE Trent Cole Hand (FP)
WR Riley Cooper Hamstring (FP)
TE Clay Harbor Ankle (FP)
LB Akeem Jordan Shoulder (FP)
T Winston Justice Knee (FP)
LB Brian Rolle Quad (FP)
CB Asante Samuel Finger (FP)
WR Steve Smith Knee (FP)
QB Vince Young Hamstring (FP)

Giants At Eagles Key Matchup: Giants' Secondary Vs. Eagles Receivers

-- See Big Blue View for complete Giants discussion and analysis

New York Giants (1-1) At Philadelphia Eagles (1-1), By The Numbers

Here is a capsule look at Sunday's New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles matchup, courtesy of the NFL PR Dept.

NEW YORK GIANTS (1-1) AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (1-1)

SERIES

Michael Vick Looking More Likely For Eagles Vs. Giants

Michael Vick reportedly practiced in full pads and helmet Thursday afternoon, an indication that the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback appears to be on track to start Sunday against the New York Giants in an NFC East showdown.

Vick suffered what seems to have been a mild concussion during Sunday's loss by the Eagles to the Atlanta Falcons.

The Eagles have not yet declared Vick in or out of Sunday's game, but the signs are pointing toward Vick being under center. Mike Kafka and Vince Young are the other Eagles' quarterbacks, and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg would only say "We're getting all three ready."

Mario Manningham of the Giants is also dealing with a concussion. The wide receiver reportedly did not practice for the Giants on Thursday, leaving his status for the game in doubt. Without Manningham and Domenik Hixon, lost for the season with a torn ACL, the Giants would have Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz, newly-acquired Brandon Stokley and Devin Thomas as their top four receivers.

Giants At Eagles: Wednesday Injury Report

When it comes to injuries, the New York Giants just can't seem get out of harm's way this season. Earlier Wednesday the Giants announced that wide receiver Domenik Hixon will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL to his right knee, the same injury that cause the wide receiver/punt returner to miss all of the 2010 season.

The Giants are hoping for good news on some of their other injured players. Mario Manningham suffered a concussion Monday against St. Louis is still waiting for test results to determine his status. Defensive end Osi Umenyiora is expected to practice Thursday after having missed the first two games following arthroscopic knee surgery. Tight end Travis Beckum, who has missed both games this season  with hamstring issues, is also expected to practice.

For Philadelphia, quarterback Michael Vick is listed as not participating in practice. Coach Andy Reid, however, said Vick did participate in the team's walk-through on Wednesday.

NEW YORK GIANTS

Out

WR Domenik Hixon Knee

Did Not Participate in Practice

CB Prince Amukamara Foot
WR Mario Manningham Concussion
DE Osi Umenyiora Knee

Limited Participation in Practice

TE Travis Beckum Hamstring

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Did Not Participate in Practice

DE Juqua Parker Ankle
DE Darryl Tapp Pectoral
QB Michael Vick Concussion

Full Participation in Practice

S Nate Allen Knee
TE Brent Celek Hip
DE Trent Cole Hand
WR Riley Cooper Hamstring
TE Clay Harbor Ankle
LB Akeem Jordan Shoulder
T Winston Justice Knee
LB Brian Rolle Quadricep
CB Asante Samuel Finger
WR Steve Smith Knee
QB Vince Young Hamstring

Domenik Hixon Out For Rest Of Season Following Right ACL Injury

Domenik Hixon will miss the remainder of the season after tearing his the ACL in his right knee against the Rams on Monday, the same injury that caused him to miss all of last season. He looked very good so far this season after the last surgery, but asking him to repeat the same rehab with similarly good results may be a lot to ask.

Hixon had four receptions so far this season at the time of his injury and one incredibly acrobatic touchdown on Monday. He actually suffered the injury while making that catch which makes it even more impressive than it did on film.

The Giants could also be without Mario Manningham this weekend against the Eagles because he is still undergoing concussion testing. If they both miss the game the Giants will be incredibly thin at wide receiver behind Hakeem Nicks, who is a little bit injured as well.

For more on the Giants, head over to Big Blue View.

Giants Vs. Eagles: Five Plays That Led To Catastrophe

Let's go through the five fourth-quarter plays that doomed the New York Giants in last season's epic fourth-quarter collapse against the Philadelphia Eagles, along with my thoughts on each play.

http://www.bigblueview.com/2011/9/21/2439920/eagles-38-giants-31-five-plays-that-led-to-catastrophe

Giants (1-1) At Eagles (1-1): First Look At Sunday's Matchup

-- See Big Blue View for complete discussion and analysis of the Giants
-- See Bleeding Green Nation for complete discussion and analysis of the Eagles