The Philadelphia Eagles (1-4-1) host the New York Giants (1-5) at Lincoln Financial Field for Thursday Night Football. The Giants are coming off their first win of the season verse the Washington Football Team. The Eagles are coming off back to back losses to the Steelers and Ravens but somehow have pulled optimism from those games. The Birds lead the storied rivalry with an 88-86-2 record against the G-Men. What are the Keys to the Game?
Eagles Defensive Line vs the Giants Offensive Line
The Eagles defensive line has been coming on very strong this season. They have contributed 18 of the teams 21 sacks (4th in the League) as well as 16 of the 18 hurries the defense has provided this season. Brandon Graham leads the team with 5 sacks and will be matched up against Cameron Fleming who is average at best. Josh Sweat and Derek Barnett will match up against Top 5 pick Andrew Thomas who has struggled this year or another rookie in Matt Peart. The line needs to take advantage of the matchup and keep Daniel Jones from stepping up in the pocket. The Giants have given up 17 sacks so far this season. They don’t run the ball any better ranking 3rd worst in the NFL with 87.8 rushing yards per game.
Eagles Offensive Line vs the Giants Defensive Line
The Eagles are banged up across the entire offensive line. Jack Driscoll is out so Lane Johnson is going to try to give it ago even though it would be best for him to rest the ankle another week. Jamon Brown was released as the Eagles brought Matt Pryor back off of the COVID reserve list. They can’t let Dexter Lawrence who can be disruptive get going while Leonard Williams leads the line in sacks with 3. The Eagles have given up 11 sacks in 2 games with Carson Wentz under duress it feels like every play. Jordan Mailata has been a HUGE bright spot at left tackle while Nate Herbig has played well too. Kelce is Kelce, which is the quarterback of the line. If the offensive line can give Wentz time then the Eagles should roll tonight.
Keep Throwing to Fulgham
I am not sure why the Eagles decided to go away from this last week but get this man the ball. He didn’t have a target until late in the first half on Sunday. Carson Wentz needs to continue to throw the ball his way and let him make a play. The return of Desean Jackson should help this even more as the threat of his speed will limit double teams on Fulgham. He has proven he will go up and get the ball so keep doing what works and less of what doesn’t. Cough Cough – Bombs to John Hightower?!?!?!?
BOSTON SCOTT PARTY
Remember Boston Scott? Yeah the one from the two Giants games last year. We need that guy back as the Giant killer once again. Establishing the run would take so much pressure off the offensive line. Against the Giants in 2 games last year, Boston Scott rushed for 113 yards, caught 10 passes for 153 yards, and scored 4 touchdowns. Keep sprinkling in some Jalen Hurts for a spark too.
Prediction Time
The Eagles are going to roll tonight and it will be the first game of the season fans can just enjoy. The Eagles offense has put up points against the top 2 or 3 defenses in the league in back to back weeks. The Giants defense is nowhere close to that level so I think Carson will dominate the Giants like he usually does on Thursday Night Football. The Giants offense will continue to struggle moving the ball and Daniel Jones throws 2 interceptions. One of those picks will go to Darius Slay and the Eagles win by double digits.
Eagles 31 – Giants 13
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Freddy Burns
Co-Host & Writer for Edge of Philly Sports
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Photo Credit: Eagles Wire
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