No excuses: Four observations from the Eagles’ 13-7 loss to the New York Giants

An all-around bad showing this afternoon for the Philadelphia Eagles, who fell to the New York Giants 13-7, dropping them likely out of playoff contention. When the spotlight got big, everyone faltered for the Eagles with horrible coaching decisions and poor play from their key players. It was such an easy chance for the Eagles to gain ground, but they proved they aren’t worthy of playoff football just yet.

The worst game of Jalen Hurts career:

What a horrible performance from Jalen Hurts this afternoon. New York sent blitzes consistently, forcing Hurts to make quick decisions, and he couldn’t make an accurate one. Hurts completed just 14 of his 30 passes alongside three interceptions, finishing with a 19.3 QB rating.

Heading to halftime with a PICK!

📺: @NFLonFOX & Giants App pic.twitter.com/lEBcEokFYt

— New York Giants (@Giants) November 28, 2021

All of Jalen Hurts’ turnovers were stupid mistakes. Throwing into heavy coverage on unnecessary throws every single time, one of which coming in the red zone taking away their chance at a field goal. 

If Hurts wants to be the franchise guy, which he was pegged to be ahead of today, things need to change drastically, fast. A showing like this against the Giants of all teams is unacceptable no matter the conditions.

Horrible play-calling returns:

Nick Sirianni had the easiest game plan in the world coming into this afternoon. Run the ball down their throat, and don’t think twice. Instead, Sirianni overthought it and tried to get cute against the Giants. His play-calling led to three interceptions and several stalling drives.

3rd and 2 in Giants territory:

Empty set shotgun, incomplete pass

The old Sirianni is back

— Jack Connell (@JackPConnell) November 28, 2021

For example, the Eagles had the ball in the third with a chance to take over the game. Boston Scott is running the ball just fine, and it’s working just like they need it to. Instead of continuing with this, Nick Sirianni calls three pass plays in a row, leading to a punt. So many points were left on the board because of decisions like this. Shotgun runs on the one-yard line amongst several others.

Offensive line is running thin:

It was a tough day for the Eagles’ offensive line, who were sent pressure several times by the Giants’ defense. Jason Kelce left with an injury early on and was in obvious pain, but like a true warrior, he came back and played through it. Meanwhile, Jack Driscoll was carted off and ruled out immediately with an ankle injury.

Brandon Brooks and Jack Anderson are on injured reserve. Landon Dickerson has battled injuries throughout the season. Only Sua Opeta is left as a backup at both guard spots if Driscoll remains out. The Eagles have no backup center, with Dickerson and Herbig both playing guard. I’d expect a move in the coming days to help bring some extra help on the line.

Gannon was the Eagles’ best coach today:

In a shocking turn of events, today’s loss wasn’t on Jonathan Gannon as much as it has in the last few weeks. The Eagles held New York to just 13 points but were unable to produce a turnover. While Daniel Jones had a good day passing, they held their end of the bargain, and the Eagles should have easily been able to score more than two touchdowns.

New York averaged roughly three yards on the ground, with Saquon Barkley being a non-issue today. It could have been better for Gannon’s defense, but they did what was needed to secure a win today, I can’t say much negative about them.