The New York Giants are presented with an opportunity to pull away from the pack in the NFC East when they square off against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football.
New York is the lone team with a winning record in its division, but injuries to Odell Beckham Jr., Rueben Randle, and Victor Cruz could have an impact on what's typically a highly productive passing attack.
The Eagles seldom looked like the team many imagined they'd be prior to the season, but rallied for a 39-17 win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 5. With a victory Monday, Philadelphia would enter a share of the divisional lead.
Giants' inconsistent defense to dictate Eagles' offensive strategy
Entering the season, there were plenty of questions about the Giants' front seven. To everyone's surprise, the Giants are the second-best run defense with almost a third of the season complete, and ought to shut down a struggling, yet talented, Eagles running game.
It's been equally shocking that last year's rushing champion, DeMarco Murray, rushed for a mere 130 yards at this juncture of the season. Murray was livid about his lack of touches, although his 2.7 yards per carry doesn't inspire confidence. Going against a resolute unit that features run-stopping specialist Johnathan Hankins, the Eagles are likely wise to abandon the running game unless they jump out to a massive lead, early.
If the Eagles do abandon the running game, it'll put pressure on Sam Bradford to carry the offense. Whether it's fair or not, Bradford's been maligned by the Eagles' fan base, although he's completed 63.2 percent of his passes for eight touchdowns, against six interceptions. Going up against the Giants' last-ranked passing defense, Bradford could be in for a field day. New York is already without its top cornerback Prince Amukamara due to a pectoral injury, and Bradford will seek Jordan Matthews often against a mismatched secondary.
New York's defense has been wildly inconsistent due to a overachieving front seven and patchwork secondary. With the Eagles' passing game showing flashes of excellence, and the running game struggling, Bradford could air the ball out early and often in a pivotal divisional clash.
Player to Watch
Dwayne Harris, WR, Giants
With Beckham and Randle playing through injuries, Harris could be thrust into the spotlight Monday. Harris caught 11 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown through five games, and will likely be matched up against Eagles cornerback Byron Maxwell. The fifth-year pro is known for his proficiency in the return game, but is presented with a marquee chance to ascend through the depth chart, in a game that could separate the Giants from the rest of the pack in the NFC East. Look for Harris to be targeted often in a rare chance to shine.
Did you know?
- New York holds a 83-77-2 historical head-to-head advantage over Philadelphia.
- The Giants and the Eagles were involved in two of the most memorable games in league history. Philadelphia won a game in November 1978 dubbed "Miracle at the Meadowlands." New York fumbled a handoff attempt that Eagles cornerback Herman Edwards returned 26 yards for the game-winning touchdown as time expired.
- "Miracle at the New Meadowlands" occurred when the Giants punted to then-Eagles star DeSean Jackson, against head coach Tom Coughlin's strict instructions. Philadelphia overcame a 21-point deficit, capped off by Jackson's game-winning 65-yard punt return touchdown on the last play of the contest.
