Philadelphia, PA
- That was hard to watch. In my career as an Eagles fan, I’ve endured many losses, but last week’s against the Saints may have been the worst one. The Saints are undoubtedly a terrific team across the board and maybe the team to beat in the NFC. Nonetheless, I expected much more from the defending Super Bowl champions. In the 48-7 spanking, the Eagles failed to score at all in the second half and just looked like a shell of the team that made a run to the promised land. Philadelphia is now 4-6, with their playoff aspirations effectively on the line against the New York Giants.
The Giants have won their last two games and are suddenly showing some life in what looked like a disastrous first season for Pat Schurmur’s bunch. While they beat the Buccaneers and the 49ers - far from playoff teams - their offense still found something to build off of. Saquon Barkley is the favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, and for a good reason, as he had several long catches and ran this season, including against the Eagles earlier this season. For the Eagles to win this game, they have to force New York to throw the football. Even Eli Manning has played well the last two weeks, but it’s going to be a lot easier to stop the old man than stop Saquon.
As for the Eagles, they have to find a way to do something on offense. The Saints shut them down like they were the ‘85 Bears. They aren’t the ‘85 Bears. This has a been a very battered and beaten up team, as the Eagles lost seemingly their entire secondary and all of their running backs last week. Philly has to find a way to get their defensive backs to support, whether it be leaving safeties over the top to help or sending lots of pressure to force rushed throws from the quarterback. Offensively, the openings were there for Carson Wentz and the Eagle receivers. It just didn’t work out; there were too many missed throws and lots of pressure all day. That being said, I think the Eagles will bounce back, but it won’t be too easy.
Final Score: Eagles, 30. Giants, 24.
