Eagles

Preview: Eagles push for the top seed in the NFC continues without Carson Wentz

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Jesse Larch
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Jesse Larch Sports Editor

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Published16 Dec 2017

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By: Jesse Larch, Sports Talk Philly editor Preview: Eagles push for the top seed in the NFC continues without Carson Wentz

After clinching the NFC East the Eagles will meet the New York Giants (2-11) for the second time this season.

The major difference between this meeting and last is that the Eagles will be without MVP candidate Carson Wentz for the first time in the regular season since he was drafted. The Eagles need two victories or one victory and one Minnesota loss to clinch the first seed in the NFC, and homefield advantage throughout the playoffs.

Previous Matchup

The Eagles won the first meeting of the season with the Giants thanks to rookie kicker Jake Elliott and a franchise-record 61-yard field goal that you can relive here set to the score from "Rudy":

The Eagles struggled in this game to the then 0-3 Giants. Fortunately for the Eagles, things have only gone downhill for New York with a plethora of key players suffering season-ending injuries, making this a tune-up for the Eagles in a week when they will need to sort out what they can and cannot do on offense with a new quarterback under center. 

Focus on Foles

Speaking of the new quarterback, all hope is not lost with Nick Foles. Foles is an experienced and accomplished quarterback, who's reputation was tarnished by time spent with Jeff Fisher – something most improved player candidates Jared Goff and Case Keenum could write a book about. 

With Fisher Foles had a 4-7 record. Over that time Foles completed 56.4 percent of his passes, threw seven touchdowns to 10 interceptions and had a passer rating of 69.0.

In his career without Fisher Foles has been well above average. He is 16-9, has completed 62.0 percent of his passes, thrown 49 touchdowns over 17 interceptions and registered a 94.8 passer rating. 

The Eagles are not in as bad shape as some other top contending teams in the NFL would be if their starting quarterback went down. There is reason for optimism with the Eagles' new quarterback situation, but make no mistake, the focus will be on Nick Foles this week.

 Injury Report

 The Eagles placed Carson Wentz on injured reserve earlier this week, adding defensive end/special teams ace Bryan Braman to the active roster in his place. 

The only member of the active roster to appear on the injury report was guard Stefen Wisniewski who is questionable with an ankle injury. Wisniewski sat out of practice on Wednesday and was limited on Thursday and Friday. 

If Wisniewski cannot play then Isaac Seumalo or Chance Warmack would replace him at left guard. Both players performed poorly against the Los Angeles Rams in place of Wisniewski last week. 

The Giants will be without safety and special teamer Nate Berhe. The biggest name on the Giants injury report is safety Landon Collins – who is doubtful with an ankle injury. Collins is growing into one of the best safeties in football, but could not practice on Wednesday or Friday this week. 

The Giants also listed wide receivers Roger Lewis (ankle) and Travis Rudolph (hamstring), and cornerback Brandon Dixon (heel and hamstring) as questionable. 

Broadcast Information

Time: 1:00 p.m.

Television: FOX | Play-by-Play by Thom Brenneman with color commentary by Chris Spielman and sideline reports from Peter Schrager

Radio: 94.1 FM WIP | Play-by-Play by Merrill Reese with color commentary by Mike Quick and sideline reports from Howard Eskin

Online: NFL Game Pass