When the Eagles host the New York Giants this Sunday at 1 p.m. a Lincoln Financial Field, much could depend on the health of Giants’ extraordinary pass rusher Brian Burns. All Burns has done this season is garner an NFL-leading nine sacks, 26 pressures, and make 21 tackles—seven alone and two sacks in the Giants’ 34-17 demolition of the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles on October 9, which seems like a decade ago.
A good sign—for the Giants, bad for the Eagles—occurred Friday, when Burns returned
to practice after suffering a hip injury in New York’s 33-32, fourth-quarter debacle at Denver, in which Giants’ back-up kicker Jude McAtamney missed two extra-point attempts.
The Eagles were manhandled by the Giants in that nationally televised Thursday game—especially the Eagles’ offensive line. Left tackle Jordan Mailata called it his worst performance so far as a pro, and he has good reason. On the Eagles’ second offensive series, a three-and-out, they produced minus-10 yards. Burns topped it off with an eight-yard sack at the Eagles’ 23 when he beat Mailata inside.
Now, with Brett Toth replacing Cam Jurgens at center, those problems could be exacerbated. How will the Eagles defend Burns, who will no doubt line up across from Mailata again?
The Eagles certainly could not run left behind Mailata, who could not contain the Giants’ rush, nor, apparently, run block very well. Saquon Barkley had trouble getting anything beyond the line of scrimmage, finishing with 58 yards on 12 carries, though only 27 on his last 10 carries after his first two carries amounted to 18- and 13-yard gains.
On the other side, in a rarity, Penn State-product and rookie edge Abdul Carter threw back Eagles’ vaunted right tackle Lane Johnson.
Two of the Eagles’ three turnovers this season came in the Giants’ loss, which included Jalen Hurts’ only interception this season. Barkley is still in search for his first 100-yard rushing game this season. His season high is 88, in the Eagles’ 20-17 victory at Kansas City, and since then, his 58 yards against the Giants is high highest.
The Eagles this week are banged up, with receiver A.J. Brown (hamstring), center Cam Jurgens (knee), cornerback Adoree’ Jackson (concussion), linebacker Azeez Ojulari (hamstring) and linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (ankle) missing practice time this week.
This Giants team will once again pose a threat to the Eagles. They know that they should have won in Denver, which handed the Eagles their first loss this season, and enter this game high off the confidence forged two weeks ago. Without Brown, the Eagles are still a dangerous team offensively, though without Barkley attacking the way he is capable, it is a team still in search of an identity.
