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NY Giants in command of NFC East after 27-17 win over Eagles | analysis

By Matt Lombardo

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 15: Daniel Jones #8 of the New York Giants runs the ball for a touchdown during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on November 15, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 15: Daniel Jones #8 of the New York Giants runs the ball for a touchdown during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on November 15, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Nov 15, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Miles Sanders (26) runs with the ball while New York Giants linebacker Devante Downs (52) attempts a tackle during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Miles Sanders (26) runs with the ball while New York Giants linebacker Devante Downs (52) attempts a tackle during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

Rushing defense shatters

The Giants’ defense was built by general manager Dave Gettleman primarily to stop the run, but that dam shattered on Sunday.

Entering Week 10 as the NFL’s eighth ranked rushing defense, allowing 94.7 yards per game, the Giants were gashed by Miles Sanders, Corey Clement, and perennial Giants killer Boston Scott for runs of 56, 14, and a pair of touchdowns.

The Eagles produced 156 rushing yards as a patchwork offensive line consistently bullied Dalvin Tomlison, Dexter Lawrence, and Leonard Williams off the line of scrimmage in the running game.

It wound up not mattering, but if the Giants are going to compete for the division championship and a possible playoff berth against backs like the Bengals’ Joe Mixon, Ravens’ quarterback Lamar Jackson, and the Dallas Cowboys’ Ezekiel Elliott looming down the stretch, this is a worrisome area that needs shored up.

Matt Lombardo is the site expert for GMenHQ, and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday for FanSided. Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattLombardoNFL.

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