The New York Giants have built a reputation as a difficult defense to attack through the air, but their numbers don't tell the entire story. Their aggressive approach creates opportunities for opposing offenses to dictate matchups, exploit pressure packages, and find openings before the defense can recover. The Philadelphia Eagles
should focus on those possibilities rather than trying to overpower their rivals.The Eagles can make this matchup more manageable in several ways, and some don't require spectacular individual performances. A little creativity, better situational play-calling and a willingness to challenge the Giants in unexpected areas could go a long way.
The question is whether Philadelphia will recognize those opportunities and
actually take advantage of them. There is hope that Joe Milton can spark in his first NFL start, and there are many ways he can do so, as Eagles Wire editor Glenn Erby reported.
Creating explosive plays, simplifying the passing game, utilizing his mobility, and creating more favorable rushing opportunities for Saquon Barkley rank among the most obvious. Still, Milton and Barkley will need help. Here are a few ways the Eagles could find some easy advantages if they're willing to try them.
Don't fear targeting Deonte Banks via the passing attack
The Giants have played well so far vs. the pass. Entering Week 9, they rank third, allowing 184.9 yards per game. Still, Philadelphia shouldn't be afraid to test them. If they're looking for somewhere to start, Deonte Banks may offer some opening, even if only minimal.
He's no slouch, but per Pro Football Focus, he's been targeted 30 times through five games. He has broken up six passes and has intercepted another, a 98-yard pick-six, but he has also allowed 15 receptions for 124 yards and four TDs. There are no guarantees, but Philadelphia may find something if they choose to attack him, as long as passes aren't telegraphed.
Neutralize a blitz-happy defense and make an anemic pass rush even less effective
The screen pass is one of those tools pulled from any strong toolbelt to neutralize blitzing teams. Here's where that conversation gets interesting for the Eagles and the Giants. The Eagles don't throw a ton of screens, and maybe they shouldn't. They haven't had much success doing so. See those failed attempts thrown in Makai Lamon's direction if you need evidence for that.
The Giants' defensive scheme relies heavily on blitzing. Sharp Football Analytics tracks them at 38.8% entering Week 9, with only five teams that send extra pressure more often. That hasn't produced many pressures (93 per PFF) or sacks (PFF counts ten, while platforms like ESPN credit them with nine). Either way, they haven't brought opposing QBs down pretty often. The Eagles would probably rather not help them gain momentum there, but if they're not going to use screen passes heavily, they may still want to throw some easy, quick passes to back up the usually aggressive Giants pass rush.
One thing worth noting. TheWashington Commanders entered Week 8 struggling to generate sacks, too, and Tanner McKee took five on 34 pass attempts.
Keep the game close enough that the Eagles don't have to become one-dimensional
Balance will be key here. Sure, you're probably pointing out that the Eagles have struggled to run against most opponents, but Saquon has had success against his old team since he arrived in the City of Brotherly Love. So far, in 2026, most of the Giants' opponents have enjoyed that same success.
New York exits their bye week having allowed 4.8 yards per carry and 128.1 yards per game. Those figures rank 27th and 28th entering Week 9, respectively. The unfamiliarity with what Milton brings to the Eagles offense may help, but no quarterback will ever complain about a solid, consistent rushing attack.
Worth another mention: Joe Milton gives Eagles dual-threat advantage
Glenn Erby's aforementioned write-up mentioned that "Mannion could use designed quarterback movement, bootlegs, and occasional read-option concepts to create additional pressure on opposing defenses." Milton is known for the cannon he's been disguising as his right arm, but it bears repeating. He gives the Eagles a dimension they didn't have with Tanner McKee.
Perhaps Philadelphia can take a few pages out of the Commanders' playbook. In Week 5, Jayden Daniels threw for 199 yards on six completions against New York, but much of his damage also came on the ground as he churned out 103 yards and two touchdowns on nine carries. Both scores came from long distance, including a 38-yarder.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 4 ways Eagles can exploit Giants' defense in Joe Milton's first start
