A win (or a tie, goodness gracious) and the Eagles clinch a playoff appearance. That's how much Sunday's game at the New York Giants means for the Eagles who, of course, have higher goals in mind than simply reaching the postseason. The ultimate goal in this regular season is to finish No. 1 in the NFC, gain a bye week, and have the conference playoffs come through Lincoln Financial Field.
But Sunday has its immediate implications, so there you go. With that, there are some statistical items that relate to storylines to watch as the Eagles and Giants resume a rivalry that dates back to 1933 (the Eagles lead the overall series 90-88-2) …
1. Will Eagles attack with the running game?
We've certainly seen in these last two seasons that it doesn't matter what a defense's run-game numbers say, the Eagles are still going to run the football. In this matchup, the Giants enter allowing 5.1 yards per carry and 141 yards rushing per game. The Eagles have been outstanding running the football, as we all know, ranking fifth in the NFL with 154 ground yards per game and the Eagles lead the NFL with 23 rushing touchdowns.
Is it logical to think the Eagles will tilt toward the ground game, given everything including a weather forecast that includes the dreaded term "wintry mix"? The great thing about this Eagles' offense is that nobody really knows going in, because the Eagles can adjust quickly to what the defense is giving.
One note to consider through all of this: New York has recovered 11 fumbles this season, tied for most in the NFL this season and the Giants have allowed a 35 percent conversion rate on third down, sixth-best in the NFL. Ball security is huge and moving the sticks is very important against a defense that hangs in every week.
2. Prepare for the blitz game from New York
Defensive Coordinator Wink Martindale has done a terrific job in his first season with the Giants creating pressure with his scheme. New York blitzes 41 percent of the time on passing plays, most in the NFL. The Giants have some excellent edge rushers – second-year man Azeez Ojulari and rookie first-round draft pick (No. 5 overall in 2022) Kayvon Thibodeaux; and they have beef inside with Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams (although Williams is doubtful with a neck injury) – and Martindale brings it because, well, he's had to do it that way. New York has only 25 quarterback sacks, ranking 20th in the NFL.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts has a lot on his plate, making good decisions based on what he sees, because Martindale will throw a lot of exotic looks at the Eagles and try to get the offense out of its rhythm. Philadelphia must substantially reduce the pre-snap penalties (eight) they had in Sunday's win over Tennessee to have the same kind of success against a tough, physical Giants defense on Sunday.
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December 11, 2022 at 02:47AM
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Spadaro: 6 storylines to follow vs. Giants - PhiladelphiaEagles.com
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