Six straight losses for the Philadelphia Eagles. Can the Birds snap the streak against the New York Giants, a division rival they’ve long owned?
To preview this Week 9 NFC East matchup, I reached out to our foes at Big Blue Landscape. The sincere Ed Valentine kindly took the time to answer my questions about this upcoming battle. Let’s see the answers.
[For my answers to Ed’s questions about the Eagles, stay tuned to BBV.]
1 – The Giants are off to their most encouraging start to a season in a long time. What specifically has John Harbaugh contributed to this team’s turnaround?
credibility. That was the first word that came to my mind. He had 15 winning seasons in 18 years in Baltimore, and he didn’t have to prove himself to anyone. He made the Giants work hard and made them believe they earned the right to win because of what they did. I think the piece I wrote on Tuesday was instructive. Harbaugh isn’t afraid to challenge players or step on toes to make the Giants better.
2 – JJ McCarthy’s playing time is limited but he has promise. How confident is he going forward this season?
I don’t know that there is confidence. Of course, there are already fans willing to trade Jaxson Dart and run with McCarthy next year. It’s too early for that, though. I think the best word is “excitement.”
The Giants didn’t give up in the season when Dart was gone. They went out and traded McCarthy, sending a message that they’re not throwing in the towel. McCarthy showed talent and mobility for 5 quarters. He gives them more upside than Jameis Winston. His skillset allows them to run the offense the way they designed it for Dart. Can he keep it up? Can he force the Giants into a Dart-McCarthy debate this offseason? I don’t know,
3 – Who are some of the Giants’ more underrated players this season? Perhaps some for the Eagles to watch out for in this game?
That’s hard, actually. Rookie WR Malachi Fields is progressing well. Bryan Hudson took the center job from John Michael Schmitz. Abdul Carter doesn’t have huge sack numbers, but he’s been hell to block all season. Deonte Banks is playing well, really well. He looks like No. 1 shutdown cornerback in Week 7 against Nico Collins of the Texans.
4 – What is the biggest matchup in the Giants’ favor and the biggest matchup in their favor?
The run defense was hit and miss. Saquon Barkley’s home run still scares me. The Giants were solid against the run, until they weren’t. When they don’t, they give big plays.
Other than that, what scares me is that I still think the Eagles defensive front can dominate games.
5 – Who won this game and why? With the Giants currently listed as 3-point road favorites (first time they’ve been favored in Philly since 2009), what’s your prediction for the score?
As nervous as I am, I’ll pick the Giants to win. I’m still wrapping my head around the Giants being favored. They were 10.5-point underdogs two weeks ago in Houston. They haven’t won in Philly since 2013, and I know something bad always happens to the Giants at the Linc. I said during the year, however, that at some point things have to go back. I think this is the year they finally do. I’d say Giants 24, Eagles 17.