NFL

SPAGNUOLO WARY OF BIRDS’ ‘SCARY’ OFFENSE

PHILADELPHIA – Steve Spagnuolo grew up in the NFL as an assistant coach with the Eagles, and last season he became a star defensive coordinator with the Giants. Given that he has been on both sides of this New Jersey Turnpike war, he’s again a center of attention tonight for another round of Giants-Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.

“I think that is a little overblown now,” Spagnuolo said. “A year removed, maybe that was a big thing last year, but it is a players’ game and it is two good football teams playing a football game. I don’t think it has anything to do with any coaches. I think our guys are ready. I know their guys will be, and I would anticipate a typical Philadelphia-Giants knock-down, drag-’em-out, good football game.”

There’s much Spagnuolo can give to his players about the Eagles offense, considering for eight years he worked against that unit in practice.

“I tell you what, looking at all the weapons over there I am not so sure I know anything about it now,” he said, “Donovan (McNabb) is playing so well and it is hard to defend all those guys. You know how versatile they are so it is not like you get a bead on them that way and the offensive line has been solid for a long time. I don’t think there is any advantage.”

Last year’s Super Bowl run coupled with this year’s continued success makes Spagnuolo perhaps the leading candidate in the league to get a head-coaching job in 2009.

“I think every year you get under your belt with experience is going to help,” Spagnuolo said. “Right now I am worried about going down to Philadelphia and beating a team that has more weapons than I have ever seen in my life. They are scary, very scary.”

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A night game at Lincoln Financial Field means the Eagles fans have many extra hours to get, um, hydrated.

“They are going to have a long time for a little tailgating,” Justin Tuck said. “It will be exciting.”