Sunday, October 27th, 2013, was the last time the New York Giants won a game at Philadelphia. Eli Manning completed 25 out of 39 passes for 246 yards, and Peyton Hillis was the team’s leading rusher, gaining 70 yards on 20 carries, as the Giants defeated the Eagles 15-7.
Since that day, New York has lost nine consecutive games in the City of Brotherly Love. Some of those games ended in heartbreaking fashion, including back in 2017 when Jake Elliott kicked a 61-yard field goal as time expired to give Philadelphia a 27-24 victory.
The oddsmakers are predicting the Eagles will make it 10 wins in a row when these two teams face each other on Christmas Day.
But the Eagles have shown vulnerability, having lost three straight games. Although this season has been a massive disappointment for the Giants, they can still achieve one of their goals by defeating their bitter rival and putting an end to this losing streak. Here’s what they’ll need to do to achieve that.
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New York Giants must win the turnover battle
The best way to pull off an upset against a team whose roster is superior to yours is to gain extra possessions by creating turnovers. Prior to their loss last week to the New Orleans Saints, New York forced 12 turnovers in the previous three games and were a plus-nine in turnover differential during that span.
For the season, the Giants are plus six in turnover differential, whereas the Eagles are minus six. Quarterback Jalen Hurts has been turnover prone having thrown 12 interceptions and has fumbled the ball five times this season. His two interceptions on Monday night were a huge factor in the team’s 20-17 loss to the Seahawks.
New York must force some turnovers without committing any of their own if they’re going to win on Christmas Day.
Offensive line must hold their own against Eagles front seven
The biggest edge Philadelphia has over New York in this matchup is their defensive front seven against New York’s offensive line. The Eagles front seven may not have been as dominant as it’s been in the past, but they’ve sacked opposing quarterbacks 39 times this season.
On the other hand, the Giants have allowed their quarterback to be sacked an NFL-high 76 times this season, including seven last week against the Saints.
New York’s offensive line coach Bobby Johnson, has been heavily criticized for how his unit has performed all season. The offensive line must manage to keep Tommy DeVito upright and open holes for Saquon Barkley to run through if they have any hope of winning.
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Take chances by attacking the Eagles secondary
The biggest weakness in Philly’s defense is their secondary, as they’re allowing 255 yards through the air which is 28th in the league. Last week, they allowed Drew Lock to complete five passes for 92 in the final 1:52 in the game to pull off a come-from-behind victory.
The Eagles may likely be without their best corner Darius Slay on Monday, as the star cornerback was unable to practice on Thursday due to a knee injury. This is why the Giants must take their chances and attack the vulnerable Eagles secondary downfield.
New York has one of the fastest receivers in the league in Jalin Hyatt, but the rookie receiver has been a non-factor over the last two games, catching just two passes for 13 yards. Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka has to draw up plays for Hyatt as well as Darius Slayton to attack the Eagles defense deep and come up with big plays. A quick strike via the passing game can change the momentum of the game and become the determining factor in New York ending their decade of losing in Philadelphia.
