Half a season ago the New York football Yanks had a week 9 date with the Philadelphia Eagles. After a closely played first half the Yanks just took control and won going away by a final score of 29-17.

Whenever you talk about the expansion team from New York the initial focus is on Quarterback Aaron Rodgers. He is the driving force for the team's 13-3 record as New York out gained their opponents through the air by more than 1200 yards. The Yanks running attack was headed by Michael Bush who did manage a solid 1000 yard season. New York's defense isn't the big play variety but they are tough. Trying to sustain a long attack against this unit often results in futility.

Philadelphia used more of a grind it out style of attack. This was a team during the regular season that would methodically win games, often inviting the opposition to beat themselves. Quarterback Alex Smith's play reflected that of the team itself. Take what the other team gives you, don't force the action and once the other team starts to over commit, then you hit them with a big play. The Eagles offensive line is stout, having allowed only 7 sacks the entire season.

The Yanks can get their offense rolling with big Tight End's Aaron Hernandez and Anthony Fasano doing the damage on short receptions. When Rodgers wants to go long he has his favorite target Mike A. Williams but focus on him and Steve L. Smith and Malcolm Floyd can expose a defense.

Philadelphia's Maurice Jones-Drew enables the Eagles to do what they like best. Pound on the defense and accumulate first downs. For the regular season Philly had 41 more first downs than their opponents. Jones-Drew had over 2000 yards rushing which placed him second among all Frozen Tundra rushers. Don't be fooled into thinking this is a 3 yards and a cloud of dust type offense. The Eagles counter with a strong Tight End tandem of their own, Jason Witten and Dallas Clark. On the outside Greg Jennings is a big threat along with dependable veteran Reggie Wayne.

Time to focus on the keys to the game:

1. Aaron Rodgers. In the week nine game Rodgers was on fire, blowing up the Eagles with 4 touchdown passes and over 300 yards. A repeat of this type of performance gives the Yanks the best chance to advance to the semi-finals.
2. Aaron Rodgers. Not a typo! Rodgers threw just two more touchdowns than interceptions on the season. If he can't get on a hot streak with his receivers then it becomes a ground game and the Eagles get the edge there.
3. Three large focus points for Philadelphia: turnovers, defend the pass and run the ball. For the season the Eagles owned a +15 advantage in turnovers. When they played New York in week 9 they generated zero turnovers. Jones-Drew had success running in week 9 but the Yanks had the ball for 7 more minutes. Which player, Rodgers or Jones-Drew will impose his will more?

Teams offensive leaders:

PASSING	ATT.	COMP.	T.D.	INT.	RTG.
Alex Smith - PHI.	530	285	24	13	76.3
Aaron Rodgers - N.Y.	629	375	24	22	79.1
RUSHING	ATT.	YDS.	AVG.	LONG	T.D.
Maurice Jones-Drew - PHI.	377	2138	5.7	37	10
Michael Bush - N.Y.	240	1049	4.4	30	15
RECEIVING	REC.	YDS.	AVG.	LONG	T.D.
Maurice Jones-Drew - PHI.	74	640	8.6	45	1
Aaron Hernandez - N.Y.	105	940	9.0	20	0