Match-Up Madness: Diehl vs. Cole

David Diehl is a monster of a man, at 6-5, 319. Now in his 4th season with the Giants, he's really beginning to show his true value, especially after he was moved to the coveted left tackle position to take the place of the injured Luke Petitgout and the ineffective and undisciplined Bob Whitfield. In this do or die game, he'll be asked to protect Eli Manning's blind side as well as open holes in the running game for Tiki Barber and Brandon Jacobs.

Protecting Manning will be paramount, as the success of the offense may ride on his shoulders. The Eagles plan on blitzing early and often and concentrating on stopping Tiki Barber. Consequently, Eli will need to respond by hitting his downfiled targets and his wide receivers identified in man coverage. Without solid play from Diehl, Philly DE Trent Cole will certainly make sure Manning doesn't have an easy time of it. His 8 sacks lead the team and he's played very well against the Giants this season, totaling 2 sacks and an interception that he returned for a touchdown.

Even more important than stopping Cole and company from getting to Manning will be the responsibility of opening running lanes for Tiki Barber. Diehl will likely be lined up next to Rich Seubert, who will be playing in Diehl's usual left guard position. The 2 should combine to form a very strong run blocking duo. In Dielh's first game at left tackle, last week against the Redskins, Tiki Barber ran for a franchise record 234 yards and added 3 touchdowns. Much of Tiki's success came when he ran off of the left side of the line and much of the credit for that success should be given to Diehl. If that success continues, even at half the rate of last weeks production, the Giants will have a great chance of walking away winners and advancing to take on the Saints or Bears. Diehl, no doubt, will be fired up at his chance to say something about that outcome.