Force Carson Wentz into mistakes
The Giants’ chances on defense hinge on generating relentless pressure on quarterback Carson Wentz, who will be lining up behind an offensive line featuring just two of the Week 1 starters; center Jason Kelce and right tackle Lane Johnson.
Beyond just pressuring, hitting, and sacking Wentz, the Giants’ defense must find a way to create turnovers and make impact plays as they have the past two weeks with Kyler Fackrell’s interception returned for a touchdown, James Bradberry’s interception, and Tae Crowder’s game-winning fumble recovery return for a touchdown.
Behind a patchwork offensive line, Wentz has shown a propensity for turning the ball over, and the strength of the Giants’ defense is up front with defensive linemen Leonard Williams, Dalvin Tomlinson, and Dexter Lawrence combining for five sacks, and 32 pressures through the first six games.
Wentz enters Thursday night with nine interceptions, and two fumbles lost. Pro Football Focus lists Wentz as the 36th ranked quarterback in the NFL.
In the Eagles’ four losses this season, they’ve turned it over three, three, two, and one times.
If the Giants are able to create turnovers, and then convert them into points, it’s not only going to be a significant boost in terms of the scoreboard, but also further force the Eagles to become one dimensional, allowing the Giants’ front-seven to really pin their ears back and get after the quarterback.