I've been going back and forth with this game all week. I called my friend, Steve Trevelise, overnight Friday/Saturday on WIP Sports Radio, sure it may take another "Miracle at the Meadowlands" type of event for the Eagles to win. Now I'm not so sure.
The Birds' secondary will be starting three players who were on the streets a few weeks ago. If the Eagles don't get pressure on New York QB Eli Manning, forcing him out of the pocket and throw on the run, he will pick them apart. The secondary isn't good enough to cover WR Odell Beckham, Jr. The Giants' offensive line is poor, but Fletcher Cox and company need a big day.
Philadelphia's offense has also struggled. They lack a consistent running game,plus they don't have a speedy wide receiver who will stretch the field and open up the middle and running game.
The Eagles'special teams have been non-existant. They continue to get little from their kick-off and punt return games.
A loss would drop the defending Super bowl champs to 4-7, bad enough for last place in NFC East. A win makes the Birds 5-6, setting up a Monday Night Football clash with 6-5 Washington next week. A win at the Linc would then prepare the team for a Sunday Night revenge game in Dallas. So, despite their many failures the Eagles still have a legitimate shot to get into the play-offs.
Something screwy always happens in Eagles-Giants' games. And they usually are close games, generally decided by a field goal. Even though the Eagles are home and desperate, I can't see them running away with this one.
New York can control the ball with RB Barkley. Manning can check-down and throw short passes to his wide-outs, as I'm sure Defensive Coordinator Schwartz will play soft ( as usual) on defense.
Turnovers usually decide a football game. The Eagles have not produced enough turnovers all season. Today they must get Manning to turn the ball over several times.Penalties also can decide a close game. The Eagles must play smart and not give the Giants any easy scores.
The weather is supposed to be dry and mild. Philly has lost it's last three home games, unheard of.If the Eagles have any pride at all as defending champs, they will step up against a lowly Giants team take control early, and erase the bad taste from last weeks' embarrassing loss to New Orleans.
So, I'm saying the season doesn't end today. There is a glimmer of hope. Make it Eagles 23 Giants 17
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