4 reasons the Giants will shock the Eagles and move on to the NFC Championship Game

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 24: Daniel Jones #8 and Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants speak on the field during the first half of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 24: Daniel Jones #8 and Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants speak on the field during the first half of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
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Jan 15, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) reacts after winning a wild card game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) reacts after winning a wild card game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

3. Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams will shine

After incredible performances from both Leonard Williams and Dexter Lawrence against the Vikings, it is likely we see a bit of a repeat game from the two defensive linemen. Lawrence had just wrapped up an incredibly dominant regular season where he was arguably the best player at his position and boy he sure didn’t slow down in his first ever playoff game.

In the NY Giants Wild Card game, Lawrence racked up six combined tackles, seven pressures, and two stops. He was absolutely unstoppable in both the run and pass-rush game just like he’s been all season. Williams on the other hand had a quietly great season in which he racked up 41 combined tackles, four sacks, and 33 pressures. However, Williams looked phenomenal against Minnesota last week, gaining seven pressures, three tackles, and two stops.

Even outside of these two, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari, if healthy, can add to the dominance of Lawrence and Williams. The Giants have had an elite front five all season long, they have just not been healthy at the same time for long enough.

With how poor the Giants linebackers looked last week, the Giants defensive front must step it up in order to help slow down the Eagles elite run game. While Philadelphia’s offensive line is very talented, the Giants pass-rush might just be good enough to put on a show.

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