For more than a decade, the Eagles could count on finding an advantage when the Giants came to Philadelphia. That stretch ended Sunday, another sign of how dramatically this season has turned.New York defeated Philadelphia 19-11at Lincoln Financial Field, ending a 13-game losing streak at the venue that included a postseason defeat. The Giants had not won there since Oct. 27, 2013.
The result pushed New York to 5-2-1 and Philadelphia to 2-7. The Eagles enter their bye with seven consecutive losses, while the Giants leave with a road victory that had eluded them through years of roster and coaching changes.
Eagles cannot protect their halftime lead
Philadelphia led 8-6 at halftime after Saquon Barkley’s 3-yard touchdown and Joe Milton’s two-point conversion. Its defense collected five
first-half sacks, preventing New York from building on two early field goals. That was enough to keep the Eagles ahead, but the offense couldn't build a meaningful cushion. Philadelphia scored only three points over the final three quarters and finished with 220 total yards.
The familiar home setting offered no protection from the offensive problems that have defined the losing streak.
Jameis Winston provides the decisive possession
New York’s breakthrough came with its backup quarterback. After J.J. McCarthy left with a hip injury, Winston completed 6 of 8 passes for 71 yards and threw a 5-yard touchdown to Isaiah Likely. The 14-play, 76-yard drive consumed 7:56 and put the Giants ahead 13-8 late in the third quarter. McCarthy later returned, and New York added two fourth-quarter field goals.
Dominic Zvada made all four field-goal attempts, supplying 13 of the Giants’ 19 points.
A rivalry result reflects Philadelphia’s larger problems
The Eagles sacked New York’s quarterbacks six times and limited the Giants to 80 rushing yards on 31 attempts. Those defensive numbers created an opportunity to extend the home winning streak.
Philadelphia could not take advantage. Milton absorbed seven sacks, the running backs combined for 28 rushing yards, and the final drive ended on downs.
The Giants did not need a dominant offensive afternoon to change the rivalry’s recent history. They needed to remain patient, protect the ball, and capitalize when Philadelphia’s offense stalled. For the Eagles, losing this particular streak was another consequence of failing to turn a competitive defensive performance into a complete game.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles lose a familiar advantage as Giants finally win at the Linc
