After a frustrating Week 7 loss to the Denver Broncos, dropping their record to 2-5, the New York Giants meet up once again with their divisional rival, the Philadelphia Eagles, for the second time in three weeks, this time in the City of Brotherly Love.
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In Week 6, rookies Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo put on an absolute masterpiece to upset the defending Super Bowl Champions in front of a packed MetLife Stadium on Thursday Night Football. Dart was 17-for-25 passing for 195 yards and a touchdown and had 13 carries for 58 yards and a rushing touchdown. Skattebo totaled 19 carries for 98 yards and three touchdowns.
The 34-17 victory gave Big Blue fans a lot of optimism heading into Denver, which, sadly, turned out to be a come-from-behind win for the Broncos. Now, the Giants will need that momentum back on their side, and they'll need specific players to step up to help them take down the Eagles again, with several players banged up. And with Paulson Adebo out and Jevón Holland doubtful, one member of the secondary has a perfect chance to put a rollercoaster start to the season behind him.
Giants need Dru Phillips to step up against Eagles in Week 8
Dru Phillips spoke to the media about the Eagles' passing game and what the Giants' defense will need to do to stop them. He said:
"Philly got the pass game going a lot more vs Vikes and opened it up more...you have to stay honest and disciplined vs the play-action pass."Dru Phillips
Phillips has been one of the team's more interesting defenders this year, leading the team with two interceptions but also 117 penalty yards. The second-year defensive back also has 37 total tackles (31 solo) and eight passes defensed.
Luckily for the G-Men, the Eagles are a run-first offense with Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley, and AJ Brown has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. Still, they have started to figure out their passing game, and let's not disregard Philadelphia's other pass-catching weapons, who could be very dangerous if left uncovered.
Birds tight end Dallas Goedert led Philly in catches and yards in Week 6, posting nine receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown. Not to mention, DeVonta Smith could also be very dangerous for the Eagles should he receive opportunities.
This matchup won't be easy for Big Blue, especially with Adebo ruled out and Holland listed as doubtful, both with knee injuries. Not to mention, Deonte Banks won't be much of a factor either, as he has struggled mightily, which leaves it up to Phillips, Cor'Dale Flott, and Tyler Nubin.
Nobody expected New York to do what it did two weeks ago. Do Dart and the G-Men have another upset over the defending Super Bowl Champs up their sleeve? They could use it coming off that heartbreaking loss against the Broncos, where Big Blue allowed 33 points in the fourth quarter.
The Giants will need a bounce-back performance from their defense, and it will start with playmakers like Phillips, who will need to step up with a depleted secondary heading into Week 8 in Philadelphia.