By Matthew Kaplan
For the Eagles, this was a much-needed rebound game. After two straight disappointing losses, they beat the Giants, 34-13. The game started off well as on the first Giants drive, the Eagles forced a turnover as Grugier-Hill intercepted Eli Manning and the Eagles offense capitalized with a score. In this victory, a lot of the issues we have seen the past couple weeks started to fix themselves, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
The only problem for the defense was Penn State Alumni, Saquon Barkley. Barkley accounted for 57% of the Giants total yards as he managed to rack up 229 total yards and one touchdown. He was one yard short of being the first running back in Giants history to have both 100+ rushing yards and 100+ receiving yards in the same game. Barkley did this while everyone else on the Giants offense struggled to do anything as there was constant pressure on Eli. Manning was sacked four times and had guys like Fletcher Cox and Michael Bennett in his face the whole game.
As for the Eagles, the protection, much like the defense, was better. They still need some work, but it is an improvement as they would allow Wentz to have a turnover free game and pass for 278 yards and three touchdowns. Even the running game, despite being short staffed, played well as Smallwood and Clement totaled 94 yards and one touchdown. While that is good for the team, it is not good for those who hope the Eagles will invest in either LeSean McCoy or Le’Veon Bell at running back before this season is over.
As of this moment, it looks like we will be able to succeed without adding another big offensive weapon. The biggest concern for Eagles fans should be, regardless of tonight’s performance, cornerback and offensive line. Working the market to pick up a solid corner might be the best move for the Eagles at this point in time.
While that is just an opinion, the facts are clear. As fans we shouldn’t get too high on this win as we have a tough schedule left. We also shouldn’t panic over the past couple weeks as the win tonight puts us at 3 wins and 3 losses and keeps us in tight with the Redskins and Cowboys. The Eagles as a team will get a couple days to rest as they now have ten days to prepare to take on the Carolina Panthers at home.
