Sirius XM host and Giants play-by-play man Bob Papa previews Big Blue’s Sunday night showdown against the Eagles with The Post’s Justin Terranova.
Q: Aside from Andre Brown’s and Ramses Barden’s surprise contributions, what was the biggest difference with the Giants against the Panthers?
A: Going back to the Cowboys game, and some of the defensive breakdowns the Giants had were just guys playing undisciplined and freelancing. That became an area of emphasis going into the Tampa game and then it became a critical component for the game plan against Carolina because they had a short week, you’re going against a different style offense. And I was absolutely amazed with the discipline the Giants played with against that read option. The other thing is the quarterback. Last year we talked about whether Eli [Manning] is elite. Now other quarterbacks may want to compare themselves to Eli at this point.
Q: Do you expect Brown and Ahmad Bradshaw to split carries now?
A: I think Brown’s earned his fair share of his carries. What we’ve learned with the Giants is that when they had their best running game it is a multi-back system. Bradshaw is most effective when he’s not carrying the ball 24 times. He’s the perfect rotational back, who brings a tremendous dimension to the team.
Q: Do you think David Wilson not being involved is all related to his fumbling issues?
A: That’s all overblown. They wouldn’t have him returning kicks if it was that much of a concern. So much of this game is pass protection, especially when your most valuable player is your quarterback. You don’t want him in harm’s way because your running back doesn’t know pass protection. They just feel much more comfortable with Brown back there.
Q: Should the Eagles be worried about Michael Vick’s early-season struggles?
A: He hasn’t played well, it looks like he’s regressed. They’re still having some issues with protection packages with the injuries. But I don’t think he’s playing as sharp a brand of football. But he’s as tough as they come.
Q: But it’s never easy against the Eagles?
A: The Giants bring the best out of the Eagles and vice versa. Despite what Philadelphia has put on film already, I would fully expect the Eagles to play much better on Sunday night. [Andy] Reid knows [Tom] Coughlin, Coughlin knows Reid. There’s no secrets here and I fully expect the Eagles to play their best game of the year on Sunday night. Turnovers will become huge.