The Philadelphia Eagles come to the Meadowlands to take on the New York Giants in a rare Week 17 game that lacks the playoff fight drama. The Eagles come into this game with their season in a downward spiral, they just lost a game to the hapless Washington Redskins.
Two weeks ago the Eagles were playing the Dallas Cowboys for what essentially was the NFC East championship game. Now the Eagles are out of playoff contention. The Giants have been out of playoff contention for a while but have won their last three games. The Giants can achieve a 7-9 record with a win and potentially save Tom Coughlin’s job.
The Giants have found the offensive groove that was promised when Ben McAdoo took over as the offensive coordinator. The West Coast offense and Eli Manning are now properly acquainted and the proof is in the results. I would expect the Giants to continue their offensive surge, the Eagles don’t do much offensively.
Dec 14, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle
Tyrone Crawford(98) sacks Philadelphia Eagles quarterback
Mark Sanchez(3) during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. The Cowboys defeated the Eagles, 38-27. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
The Eagles are led by Mark Sanchez to the joy of Chip Kelly who gets to prove that he can make anything work in his offense.
The Eagles’ offense is all about tempo, they run more plays in less time than anybody in the league. This tires out defenses.
This also helps the Eagles find the right matchups as everything is simplified as its supposed to be dummy proof. Sanchez is testing this theory for sure.
Sanchez has good mechanics and good arm talent but he lacks the ability to make great decisions. He throws balls into coverage way too much especially considering the talent around him on offense. Darren Sproles and LeSean McCoy are two of the most productive running backs in football.
Jeremy Maclin and Jordan Matthews are a great one two punch at the wide receiver position. Talent is not something the Eagles lack, but the offense is as inconsistent as their quarterback.
Prediction: Giants win 28-17
The Eagles are a mess right now. The Giants have cleaned up most of their problems this season. The difference is going to be the pass rush of the GMEN. The Giants will rattle Sanchez and mistakes will occur. Manning and the offense will stay sharp and the Giants will win the game convincing their fans they will be much better come next season.
Players Who Will Shine