The Philadelphia Eagles (11-1) take their No. 1 ranking to MetLife Stadium to face the New York Giants (7-4-1) in a clash of division rivals. This will be a classic NFC East tilt as both teams try to tighten their clutches on playoff seeding. The Eagles can secure a postseason bid with a win or tie.
Scouting The Giants
Offense
Quarterback Daniel Jones has come on well this season under new coach Brian Daboll, a rejuvenation for the former first-round pick. His ability to succeed despite all the injuries surrounding him shows the type of player Jones can be in the right system.
With 2,365 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and only four interceptions, Jones is a big reason why the Giants are in the playoff hunt with more wins already than any season since 2016. With Saquon Barkley being the main focus of the offense due to several key injuries in the passing game, the numbers Daniel Jones are able to put up are a key reason the Giants have been successful thus far in the 2022 season.
Former No. 2 overall draft pick Saquon Barkley leads the New York Giants backfield. With the offensive line anchored by Andrew Thomas and rookie Evan Neal paving the way this season, the former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year has been energized. His 1,055 yards rank fourth in the NFL and first in the NFC.
Saquon’s weaponry does not stop at the run game. He is also one of the top receiving backs in the NFL. Through 12 games this season, he has gained 241 yards on 40 receptions. This ability has been a great benefit to the Giants as they try to replace the production left by injuries.
With Sterling Shepard out for the season and Kadarius Toney traded to the Kansas City Chiefs at the deadline, the Giants are counting on Darius Slayton and 2021 free-agent acquisition Kenny Golladay. Rookie Tight End Daniel Bellinger, who has 21 receptions for 176 yards and two touchdowns, is the leading tight end on the Giants roster. Despite missing time with a broken orbital socket, Bellinger has continued to provide production for the New York Giants pass game.
Defense
The Giants’ defensive line with rookie Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari has been just short of excellent this season. Thibodeaux is in contention for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and has brought a massive upgrade to the Big Blue’s pass rush since being drafted fifth overall from Oregon. The rest of the line with DT Leonard Williams and NT Dexter Lawrence has also been solid as the Giants will look to use this group to stop the Eagles’ run game.
Former Cowboy Jaylon Smith leads the linebackers group, which also consists of fifth-round rookie Micah McFadden and Tae Crowder. The group plays together well, and with the crew in front of them leading the way, this group of linebackers is a solid second level of the Giants’ defense.
With the likes of Adoree’ Jackson and Fabian Moreau at the corner, and Jason Pinnock and Julian Love at safety, the Giants play a lot of sub-package coverages. Backed up by veteran Tony Jefferson, the safety position has been solid for the Giants in 2022, while the cornerbacks and nickel Darnay Holmes have attempted to lock down opposing pass games.
The Eagles Game Plan: Eagles D-Line vs. Giants O-Line
The Eagles have sacked the opposing quarterback 42 times this season. If they want to be successful in this game, they will need to get to Daniel Jones and keep him inside the pocket. Allowing him to run will also make Saquon Barkley more dangerous, and this is what the Eagles need to avoid in this showdown.
If Philadelphia can get the upper hand on Andrew Thomas, Evan Neal, and the rest of the Giants’ offensive line, it will allow Darius Slay and the secondary a chance to clamp down and add to the 15 interceptions the team already has in the 2022 season.
Series Record
This is the 181st meeting between the teams. The Eagles lead the current series 90-88-2, including an 8-4 record against the Giants at MetLife Stadium.
In Conclusion
Despite owning a solid 7-4-1 record, the Giants have yet to cross the 30-point barrier in a game this season. At first blush, Sunday’s assignment looks like an uphill battle, with New York hosting 11-1 Philadelphia at MetLife Stadium. If the Eagles can pressure Daniel Jones and contain Saquon Barkley, while continuing to pour on the points, the Giants do not have the fire power to match. And that’s…”The Lex Of It“
