The Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants share a long history dating back to 1933. They've faced off 187 times, including five postseason matchups.
Philadelphia holds the all-time edge by a 96-to-89 tally, with 2 ties. The Eagles have also dominated the recent series. They've won eight of the last ten meetings.
None of that changes how big Sunday's game is for Philadelphia
. After six straight losses,it's tough to map a realistic path to salvaging the season without a win.This isn't just divisional pride on the line. It's about stopping the slide before the bye week makes the hole feel even deeper. Week 18 will come around again, but that's not the concern right now. Sunday's game needs attention.
Matt Nagy vs. Vic Fangio
Longtime die-hard Eagles fans will recognize
Matt Nagy. He once spent time on Philadelphia's coaching staff under Andy Reid, first as a coaching intern (2008–2009) and a coaches' assistant (2010), before serving as offensive quality control coach from 2011 to 2012.
Now, he'll coordinate a Giants offense that has averaged about 23.3 points per game. Nagy will have a difficult assignment against Vic Fangio, whose defensive experience and ability to disguise coverages can create problems for opposing playcallers.
The Eagles haven't exactly been shutting opponents down this season, but Fangio remains one of the more respected defensive minds in football. Can the wise old Fangio find a way to trim New York's scoring production? The Giants have been far more productive than Philadelphia, and Nagy will look to exploit the defensive vulnerabilities that have contributed to the Eagles' disappointing season. This coaching matchup could significantly influence how Sunday's game unfolds.
Joe Milton vs. the Giants' secondary
This probably isn't the game you want to earn your first start in as an NFL passer. Say what you will about the Giants. Maybe you're a believer. Maybe you're not, but their secondary isn't giving anyone much room to operate through the air.
New York enters Week 9 allowing just 184.9 passing yards per game, the third-best mark in the NFL. The Giants have also intercepted six passes and generated two forced fumbles through their secondary. That's an imposing challenge for Milton, who hasn't appeared in a game for Philadelphia since joining the organization.
Milton has the physical tools to make plays, but his ability to process the defense and protect the football will be under scrutiny. The Giants won't need to do anything extraordinary to make his afternoon uncomfortable. If their defensive backs can limit the available windows and force Milton to hold the football, Philadelphia could have a long afternoon.
Giants rushing attack vs. the Eagles' defensive front
The Giants average 116.7 rushing yards per game, ranking 18th in the NFL entering Week 9. That's hardly an overwhelming number, but the matchup deserves attention given Philadelphia's recent (and ongoing) struggles against the run, especially with Cam Skattebo dealing with a hamstring injury.
The Eagles rank 28th in the league, allowing 131.9 rushing yards per contest. Those problems aren't exclusively the responsibility of the defensive front, but the front seven has to shoulder a significant portion of it. New York has an opportunity to establish the run, control the tempo, and keep Philadelphia's offense watching from the sideline.
The Giants don't necessarily need a spectacular rushing performance to take advantage. Consistent gains on early downs would put them in manageable situations and make life easier for their quarterback. Philadelphia needs its defensive front to create resistance before New York establishes control of the game.
Giants pass rush vs. Eagles offensive tackles
Abdul Carter has dealt with an illness this week rather than the calf issue that has limited him at times this season. Said illness has earned him the dreaded 'day-to-day' label. His availability will be worth monitoring, particularly because of the problems he could create for Philadelphia's offensive tackles.
Carter lines up on both sides of the defensive line, meaning he could see snaps against Jordan Mailata and Markel Bell if he's active. His versatility gives the Giants options in how they attack Philadelphia's protection.
Without him, the Giants don't have an overwhelming pass-rushing unit statistically, making their ability to generate pressure even more important in this matchup. Milton will already be dealing with the challenge of making his first start, and consistent pressure could make an uncomfortable situation considerably worse.
Philadelphia's tackles will have to keep the pocket clean and give Milton enough time to work through his progressions. If the Giants' pass rush finds its rhythm, it could create the kind of disruption that completely derails the Eagles' offensive plans.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles vs. Giants: 4 key matchups that could decide Week 9
