Eli Manning has sharp practice week

Just when the Giants needed it most, their running game came together beautifully the past two weeks despite injuries on the offensive line to produce victories over Washington and Minnesota to set up a first-place battle in the NFC East with Philadelphia on Sunday. Asked how gratifying that has been from a coaching standpoint, Tom Coughlin said he'd actually prefer more balance with the passing game.

"That's what the whole thing is about -- balance," Coughlin said. "Quite frankly, I'd like to see the throwing and the passing game work hand in hand with [the running game] because that's where your opportunities come from."

Of course, the passing game has suffered from injuries, such as the one that knocked out wide receiver Steve Smith for the season earlier this week, and the league-high 19 interceptions thrown by quarterback Eli Manning. They can't do much to prevent injuries, but Coughlin was heartened by the way Manning practiced in advance of the big game against the Eagles.

"He's had a good week," Coughlin said. "He was sharp. He did a good job today of not throwing the ball into some coverages that weren't necessarily the way we had them on the cards [illustrating the Eagles' defenses for the Giants' offense]. But he wasn't going to take a chance. I thought that was good.

"Maybe it's a reaction to realizing that it's okay to throw the ball away."