3 Reasons Giants Can Play Spoiler and Knock the Eagles Out of the Playoffs
By Michael Luciano
The Philadelphia Eagles don't have the NFC East locked up just yet, as a Cowboys win against Washington and a Philly loss in Week 17 would see Dallas end up with the No. 4 seed in the NFC. The New York Giants might be one of the worst teams in the league in several categories and will be led by a likely lame duck head coach, but there are still a few reasons that the Eagles can't chalk them up as an early win.
3. The Eagles Are Banged up
The Eagles will be without their top two wide receivers next week in DeSean Jackson and Alshon Jeffrey, and slot receiver Nelson Agholor could be unable to go with a knee injury. In addition to those wideouts, tight end Zach Ertz and right tackle Lane Johnson did not practice Wednesday due to various injuries. The Eagles might need to put their B-team offense on the field next week, and that could be enough for the Giants to steal a win.
2. Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley Are in a Groove
Giants fans were treated to a tantalizing glimpse of what the future could be in last week's win against the Washington Redskins. Saquon Barkley set a new season-high in rushing yards while Daniel Jones threw five touchdown passes in an overtime victory. Dak Prescott might have struggled last week against the Eagles, but both Eli Manning and Dwayne Haskins were able to puncture this Philly defense, and this dynamic young duo should have minimal difficulty with accomplishing that task.
1. Pat Shurmur Will Go All Out in Potential Final Game
He hasn't been officially fired, but Shurmur's days in New York are all but numbered after winning just seven games in the last two seasons. Expect Shurmur to leave everything on the field in what could be his swan song as a head coach. The Eagles need to anticipate trick plays, big chunk passes deep down the field, and aggressiveness. A strong showing against the Birds could potentially buy Shurmur more time, and he has to be coaching for his job on Sunday.