NFL

GIANTS’ SPAGNUOLO EXCITED TO FACE MENTOR

Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, in his first season with Big Blue, spent the previous eight with Philadelphia. Sunday night, he will face his former team and his friendly mentor, Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson.

Spagnuolo tried to downplay the meeting, but couldn’t keep his poker face.

“I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t a little [pressure], but in a good way,” Spagnuolo said. “It’s like playing a pick-up game with your brother. Sometimes you try harder to beat them than in a real deal. I’m looking forward to it.”

Spagnuolo was the linebackers coach under Johnson, whom he considers a friend.

“When Jim and I talked on the phone . . . before the season, you want to say ‘Good luck’ and you have to be careful because you’re in the same division,” Spagnuolo said. “Hopefully, it’ll be fun, but you use that loosely. It’s only fun when you win.”

The first two weeks of the season weren’t fun for Spagnuolo, as his defense coughed up 80 points.

“Yeah, they were rough. On the flip side, I’m encouraged with the way guys responded last week,” Spagnuolo said.

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RBs Brandon Jacobs (knee)and Derrick Ward (ankle) returned to practice on a limited basis. It was Jacobs’ first action since the opening loss to Dallas.

“I feel like I’m ready to go,” Jacobs said. “If not this week, next week for sure.”

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Eagles RB Brian Westbrook (abdominal injury) didn’t practice. He left Sunday’s game in the third quarter after gaining 221 yards of offense.

“He’s playing,” Strahan said of Westbrook’s status. “Anybody thinks he’s not playing, you’re a fool.”

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DE Michael Strahan said he definitely senses a rivalry with the Eagles.

“You know, it’s Philadelphia,” Strahan said. “And if you’ve ever been to Philadelphia, it’s Philadelphia. And that carries over to the team.”

He also said the fans are “probably the meanest people I’ve ever been around, so it’s nice to beat Philly.”

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FB Robert Douglas (knee) didn’t practice. Backup QB Jared Lorenzen (ankle) was limited and WR Steve Smith (shoulder) was out.