The dreaded Saturday Eagles pick

Call this one New York, New York.

The Eagles are the first half of a daylong, Philly vs. New York sports extravaganza. And the Birds no doubt are chafing at their new role as the city's warm-up act. The Eagles haughtily consider themselves the No. 1 sports team in town. But they're deluding themselves this week. Of course, a huge win would go a long way toward restoring their luster, as well as putting the fans in a frenzy for what is to follow Sunday night. I don't think it's going to happen.

Look for fans to be in a surly mood at the start of tonight's Game 4 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park. They likely will be spitting out the remains of an Eagles' loss.

This is the game I have been pointing to that will tell us exactly what kind of team the Eagles really are. Unfortunately, I don't think we're going to like the result. That's because, basically, I'm still not convinced the Eagles are very good.

They have played exactly one quality team, and got smoked by the undefeated Saints.The laid an egg on the West Coast against a truly dreadful Raiders team, and they didn't play all that well against an equally woeful Redskins team on Monday night.

Now they face the Giants, a good - but also not great - team. The G-Men have now lost two in a row themselves.

The Eagles likely will be without the services of star running back Brian Westbrook, who is still battling the effects of a concusssion suffered Monday night. That will put the load squarely on the shoulders of Donovan McNabb. And that might not be a good thing.

McNabb has not played well since returning from a fractured rib. He consistently has been inconsistent, especially on third downs, missing open receivers, too often reverting to his old habit of firing balls into the ground.

The Eagles will need McNabb to once again get the ball into the hands of their new No. 1 weapon, emerging superstar DeSean Jackson. And they will need to do it while keeping the Giants' ferocious defensive line off McNabb's back. And in the process keeping McNabb off his back.

On defense, The Eagles will be tested by the Giants' powerful running attack.

As I said, this one will tell us a lot about the Birds. Maybe, I'm wrong. It would not be the first time. But I don't see the Birds winning this game. We'll have to settle for a win by the Phils in the second half of a New York double-header.

Make it Giants 27, Eagles 13.

Last Week: I was on the money again as the Eagles toyed with the Redskins on Monday night. Donovan McNabb did not play particularly well, but got the ball into the Hands of DeSean Jackson enough to get the job done. As for the Redskins: They're just a disaster.

Season Record: 4-2, same as the Birds.

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