The division-leading New York Giants begin a season-defining five-day stretch on Sunday when they face the Philadelphia Eagles. NFC East games against the Eagles and Washington Commanders book-ending that stretch, with an intriguing NFL trade deadline sandwiched in the middle.
After the Giants defeated the Houston Texans in overtime in Week 7, head coach John Harbaugh said these post-bye division contests would be “The two most important games of the season” because they “will set the direction for
the rest of the season.”
NFC East standings
Giants 4-2-1
Dallas Cowboys 3-5
Commanders 2-4-1
Eagles 2-6
Two victories in the next five days would get the Giants to 6-2-1, and build the Giants a cushion they might need with the schedule getting tougher over the season’s last eight weeks.
It is a fair criticism of the Giants that they have played only one team thus far with a .500 record, and were blown out by the Los Angeles Rams in that game. Over their last eight games, the Giants face the Jacksonville Jaguars (6-2), San Francisco 49ers (6-1), Seattle Seahawks (4-4), Cleveland Browns (5-3), and Detroit Lions (5-2), along with the Cowboys, Eagles, and Indianapolis Colts.
Strip away all the chatter about the Giants’ losing streak in Philadelphia, Joe Milton making his first career start at quarterback for the Eagles, Cam Skattebo’s availability, and everything else and the truth is this is a game the Giants should win. They are the better team, and they have much more to play for.
“It’s just a really important game for our team,” Harbaugh said.
“Division game, man. Division game. We’re trying to win the division first. That’s our first goal here. This game will go a long way toward that. That’s why it’s so important. Division games are big. Division games on the road are really big. Those are big wins if you can get them. They’re tough to get. It’s a big challenge. We’re excited about the opportunity, but we understand it’s a daunting challenge.”
If the Commanders can defeat the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, it is possible Washington emerges as the biggest threat to the Giants in the division.
A split of the Eagles and Commanders games wouldn’t be devastating, but it would make the path to the playoffs more treacherous for the Giants.
Losing both games would bring serious questions regarding whether the Giants are actually ready to capitalize on the opportunity they have.
In-between, of course, is the trade deadline. Will the Giants get Jonathan Taylor? A lesser back to supplement what they have? Help at defensive tackle? How much will they be willing to give up to get any of that?
Buckle up, Giants fans. It is going to be a fascinating five days.
Devin Singletary … then what?
If Cam Skattebo is out due to his hamstring injury, as seems likely, the Giants know they will get a solid professional effort from Devin Singletary. What they will get from Gregory Desrosiers in his NFL debut or practice squad elevation Phil Mafah, with one game of NFL experience, is anybody’s guess.
If you’re the Giants, all you can do is cross your fingers and hope the game doesn’t turn on a mistake by one of the new, young running backs.
Return game questions
It is never good when your primary kickoff and punt returner shows up on the injury report with a hand injury. That is what happened to Charlie Jones of the Giants this week. When and how the injury occurred I don’t know, but it was clear throughout the week that it was a concern. On Thursday, Jones was practicing with a wrap on his hand. He is listed as questionable.
“He’s managing it,” Harbaugh said. “He was out today catching and everything like that. Just want to make sure he could catch. I haven’t talked to him yet. We’ll see how he felt.”
Starting safety Jevon Holland could return punts if Jones can’t.
“Not ideal. If we have to do it, we will. But not ideal,” Harbaugh said.
Jones and Tyrone Tracy have been the kickoff returners. Tracy is now on IR with a hamstring injury. Who’s next on the depth chart? Good question.
Deonte Banks is an outstanding kickoff returner, but he is also the Giants’ best cornerback. Desrosiers returned some kickoffs in college. Jalin Hyatt, just signed to the 53-man roster on Saturday, could be used on kickoff returns. There aren’t a lot of other options.
