NY Giants studs and duds after defense dominates Eagles

The NY Giants’ secondary was a driving force behind Sunday’s 13-7 win over the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday afternoon as Julian Love, Xavier McKinney and others made huge plays

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The NY Giants fired offensive coordinator Jason Garrett hoping to spark a listless offense, but instead it was New York’s defense that took flight in a 13-7 win over the Eagles.

Some of New York’s biggest issues, and most glaring deficiencies were brought to the fore Sunday; holding the ball for just 23 seconds after Julian Love recovered a fumble by Eagles running back Boston Scott that could have capped the win with 1:34 remaining, and producing only 264 yards of offense, and converting only 25 percent of third downs.

But, on the other side of the ball, Patrick Graham’s defense and a swarming secondary picked up the slack forcing four turnovers and holding Jalen Hurts and the Eagles to just 124 passing yards and intercepting the young Philadelphia quarterback three times.

“It comes down to playing assignment football on the backend as well,” NY Giants head coach Joe Judge said of the defense afterwards. “With (Safety) Xavier (McKinney) and those guys in terms of breaking and making the interceptions. Obviously, (Linebacker) Tae (Crowder) had one at the end of the half, but it’s just being in the right place at the right time and playing with good discipline.

“If it’s man, you’ve got to play your leverage, you’ve got to look through your man. If it’s zone, you’ve got to get the right depth, right zone, you’ve got to make sure that you’ve keying the quarterback and you’re moving the right way. You’ve got to play your assignment. Really as a whole, the plays come to you.”

With matchups looming against Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins, and rematches with the NFC East opponents down the stretch, the NY Giants’ defense might have opportunities to add to their suddenly opportunistic approach.

Here’s a look at the NY Giants’ studs and duds from Sunday’s win over the Eagles:

NY Giants DB Darnay Holmes – STUD

With 1:08 remaining in the first quarter, Holmes jumped the route in front of Eagles wide receiver Quez Watkins and pulled down an interception at the NY Giants’ five-yard line before returning it 10 yards to the 15.

Holmes’ turnover stopped a promising Philadelphia drive dead in its tracks, and showcased his anticipation and instincts in deep coverage.