Six straight losses for the Philadelphia Eagles. Can the Birds snap the streak against the New York Giants, a division foe they’ve owned for a long time?
In order to preview this Week 9 NFC East matchup, I reached out to our enemies over at Big Blue View. The earnest Ed Valentine kindly took the time took the time to answer my questions about this upcoming battle. Let’s take a look at the answers.
[For my answers to Ed’s questions about the Eagles, stay tuned to BBV.]
1 – The Giants are off to their most encouraging start to a season in a long time. What has John Harbaugh specifically contributed to this team’s turnaround?
Credibility. That is the first
word that comes to mind. He had 15 winning seasons in 18 years in Baltimore, and he didn’t have to prove himself to anyone. He has driven the Giants hard and made them believe they have earned the right to win because of what they have done. I think this piece I wrote on Tuesday is instructive. Harbaugh isn’t afraid to challenge players or to step on toes to make the Giants better.
2 – J.J. McCarthy’s playing time has been limited but he’s shown some promise. To what extent is there confidence in him moving forward this season?
I don’t know that there is confidence. There are, of course, already fans willing to trade Jaxson Dart and run with McCarthy next year. It is way too early for that, though. I think the best word is “excitement.”
The Giants did not give up on the season when Dart was lost. They went out and traded for McCarthy, which delivered the message they were not throwing in the towel. McCarthy has shown arm talent and mobility in 5 quarters. He gives them more upside than Jameis Winston. His skillset allows them to run the offense the way they designed it for Dart. Can he keep it up? Can he force the Giants into a Dart-McCarthy debate this offseason? I don’t know,
3 – Who are the some of the more underrated Giants players this season? Perhaps some for the Eagles to keep an eye out for in this game?
That’s hard, honestly. Rookie WR Malachi Fields is developing nicely. Bryan Hudson has taken the center job away from John Michael Schmitz. Abdul Carter doesn’t have big sack numbers, but he has been hell to block all season. Deonte Banks has been playing well, really well. He looked like a No. 1 shutdown cornerback in Week 7 against Nico Collins of the Texans.
4 – What’s the biggest matchup in the Giants’ favor and the biggest matchup against their favor?
The run defense has been hit and miss. Saquon Barkley hitting the home run still scares me. The Giants are solid against the run, until they aren’t. When they aren’t, they give up big plays.
Other than that, the thing that scares me is that I still think the Eagles defensive front can dominate games.
5 – Who wins this game and why? With the Giants currently listed as 3-point road favorites (first time they’ve been favored in Philly since 2009), what’s your score prediction?
With great trepidation, I will pick the Giants to win. I’m still wrapping my head around the Giants being favored. They were 10.5-point underdogs two weeks ago in Houston. They have not won in Philly since 2013, and I am well aware that bad things always seem to happen to the Giants at the Linc. I have said for year, though, that at some point things have to turn around. I think this is the year they finally do. I will say Giants 24, Eagles 17.
