The New York Giants (2-5) and Philadelphia Eagles (5-2) will square off on Sunday afternoon in a Week 8 matchup at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Opening the week, the Giants were listed as 7-point road underdogs, but that spread has worsened slightly, with Philadelphia now at -7.5 as of this writing.
With this matchup on tap, Giants Wire took the opportunity to hold a Q&A with Eagles Wire managing editor Glenn Erby.
Let’s rewind before we look ahead. What happened in Week 6, and how did both the locker-room and fans handle that primetime loss?
Erby: Philadelphia got dominated upfront, and left tackle Jordan Mailata recently admitted that it was his worst performance since entering the starting lineup. The Giants’ defense held the Eagles‘ offense to 17 points while sacking quarterback Jalen Hurts three times on the evening. Philadelphia entered with the advantage at each key position, but was outplayed at running back, wide receiver, and on defense, as the Giants made all the big plays and held Saquon Barkley to 12 carries and 58 yards on the night.
How significant an impact will the return of Jalen Carter have, and how does it change Philly’s defensive approach against the Giants?
The Eagles don’t have an elite edge rusher on the roster, and Carter provides enormous pressure on opposing quarterbacks while freeing up Jordan Davis and Moro Ojomo to make plays. In the Week 6 matchup, Philadelphia was unable to pressure Jaxson Dart, and midway through the third quarter, the Giants’ offense was 9 of 11 on third down, and Brian Daboll’s team finished 11 of 16 on third-down drives. In the first matchup, Cam Skattebo logged 19 carries for 98 yards and three back-breaking touchdowns. Carter’s absence was a significant factor in the rookie’s dominance. Carter returned to the lineup last week, and his presence was felt, as he had three tackles, two QB hits, and countless pressures.
The Giants did an excellent job of limiting Saquon Barkley in the first matchup. How will the Eagles scheme to avoid that same outcome on Sunday?
The Eagles have to do a better job of being less predictable while being extremely physical in the running game. Dexter Lawrence is a dominant player, and making matters worse, Landon Dickerson was ruled out for the Eagles’ Week 6 game against the Giants due to an ankle injury he sustained in Week 5. He was replaced in the lineup by Brett Toth, who struggled along with center Cam Jurgens. Philadelphia will pass the ball to set up the rushing attack, and at this point, the goal is to get Barkley quality carries, while putting him in a position to make plays in space.
Not specific to the game itself, but what did you see in Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo in Week 6?
The rookie duo brings a presence and an energy to the Giants that’s been lacking for some time. Dart plays with a little Josh Allen in his game, and has mentioned Jalen Hurts as a player he patterns his game after. His elusiveness, self-confidence, and leadership were evident from the first play. Skattebo provides the physicality and his own swagger at the running back position, battering the opposing defense and letting them know about it as he accomplishes his goals.
Overall, with Philly favored by 7.5 points, what’s your bold prediction for this rivalry rematch: a blowout redemption for the Eagles, or could the Giants’ momentum from that upset lead to another upset in South Philly?
The offense still goes through too many bouts of inefficiency and three-and-outs to predict a blowout, but the Giants got the Eagles’ attention in Week 6, and to say that this team will be motivated and excited to play on a day where they’ll be wearing Kelly Green throwback uniforms is an understatement. The offensive line is getting healthier, and the Eagles are starting to hit their stride in the passing game. I predict improved offensive performance, a stout, physical defense with Jalen Carter in the lineup, and pure energy from Brandon Graham, unretiring. Philadelphia enters the bye week on a high note, defeating the Giants, 31-21.