Giants' line hopes to pressure Eagles QB Vick

The line has been the focal point of the defense for years with All Pro Jason Pierre-Paul and two-time Pro Bowlers Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck leading an assault that led to a second Super Bowl in five seasons.

However, opponents have found ways to limit the line this season. Quarterbacks are releasing the ball faster, protections are being maximized with backs staying in to block and teams are using more screens and draws to slow down the line.

The statistics show it. Through three games, the defense has six sacks and eight quarterback hits. The goal is a 10 a game.

Vick has experienced that type of pressure this season. He has been sacked nine times, been hit another 28 times and thrown six interceptions. Still, Philadelphia (2-1) is tied for first place in the NFC East with the Giants and Dallas.

"I'm sitting here saying we're going to go get him, whatever formation they put on the field," Pierre-Paul said Friday. "We have one job to do as a (defense), two jobs. We have to stop the run and get to the passer by any means. This starts up front and we have to get after him."

Vick knows about tough games against the Giants. He broke his right hand in the first game against New York last season and missed the second one while nursing broken ribs.

"Hopefully my guys do well up front and take care of their defensive ends and the big guys on the inside of the defensive line," Vick said. "If I have to run, then I'll run. I'm just going to approach the game with an open mind. I feel good this week going into this game. My body feels good. I just look forward to playing a good one, against a good, tough defense."

Part of the problem for the Eagles has been injuries. Left tackle King Dunlap is going to miss his second straight game with a hamstring injury and Dallas Reynolds has taken over at center with Jason Kelce out for the year with a knee injury.

The Giants think the hits are a combination of things, not just the injuries.