The Eagles have an eight point lead over the New York Giants after 30 minutes of Thursday night action. Here's the good and bad from the first half:
What Worked
-Good coverage by Malcolm Jenkins on Odell Beckham Jr. during the first drive of the game. The safety knocked the ball loose on second down and broke up a pass attempt on third and short to force a punt. He then ended the Giants' second drive with a pick six to put the Eagles up 14-0. However, he did get beaten badly by Sterling Shepard for the Giants lone first half touchdown.
-Welcome back, Lane Johnson. The right tackle's presence on the first drive was noticeable as he paved the way for the Eagles running backs for their first touchdown. It's hard for a right tackle to jump off the film while watching a game live, but the difference between Johnson and his replacements is substantial.
–Carson Wentz is now getting borderline late hits called in his favor. Good for him.
What Didn't
-Obligatory Nelson Agholor drop notification. Although, he has lined up correctly all game, so he has that going for him. He was also on the receiving end of a 40-yard touchdown. That's also good.
-Wentz has made a few defensive players look silly, but trying to force a ball 40 yards downfield to Bryce Treggs isn't a smart decision. On third and long, the interception worked as well as a punt, but taking care of the ball needs to be Wentz's top priority.
-After the first drive, the Giants starting stacking the box and dared Wentz to beat them through the air, but Doug Pederson has been trying to keep the ball moving on the ground to no avail. After gaining over 60 yards on that first drive, Ryan Mathews picked up just three yards on the next two drives.
–Jaylen Watkins is really struggling in coverage tonight, especially as a single high safety. It seems like he's been a step slow getting to the sidelines on deep passes. Maybe the Eagles will change things up in the second half and let Rodney McLeod play over the top.
Halftime Adjustment
It's been a while since the Eagles have entered the half with a commanding lead, so it's up to Pederson to make sure the team doesn't take its foot off the gas and let the Giants back into the game. With a lot on the line for New York, expect them to come out and play inspired football. The Eagles need to match their intensity level.
Second Half X-Factor: Malcolm Jenkins
The Eagles defense has been able to keep the Giants at bay for the first half, but Eli Manning is still capable of turning things around, especially with the weapons he has at his disposal. Jenkins is the quarterback on the back end of the Eagles defense and it will be up to him to make sure the secondary doesn't get burned by Beckham and the other Giants receivers.
