Watch to watch from the ‘Process Eagles’ in today’s regular season finale against the New York Giants

With the No. 2 seed in the NFC locked up, the Eagles are taking a pragmatic approach to their regular-season finale against the New York Giants.

Starters are getting a well-earned rest, and Sunday’s game will be a showcase what I’m calling the ‘Process Eagles’ who will be ready to make their mark in the first real playing time this year.

QB1 Tanner McKee:

Jalen Hurts fresh out of concussion protocol will be resting on the sidelines with the other starters on offense. With Kenny Pickett is nursing a rib injury, that means Tanner McKee is expected to start under center.

McKee has shown flashes of brilliance in preseason action and even in a brief regular-season appearance against Dallas, where he tossed two touchdowns on four attempts.

Fuck it, The Mormon Missile Tanner McKee Preseason Highlights pic.twitter.com/rjIXN2MOGA

— Life of a Philly Fan (@PhillyFanLife) January 5, 2025

This game is McKee’s chance to show the Eagles that he’s more than just a developmental prospect. A strong performance could not only solidify him as the primary backup next season but also increase his trade value if another team comes calling. Either way, McKee has a golden opportunity to shine in what will likely be his biggest spotlight yet.

McKee to DeVonta Smith!

Eagles lead 41-7 over Dallas.

📺: #DALvsPHI on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/E1RQrDpP6l

— NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2024

Will Shipley will Lead the Eagles Rushing Attack

Will Shipley hasn’t had much of a chance to show what he can do in the regular season, but with Kenny Gainwell set to hit free agency, the rookie running back could play a bigger role in 2025.

His workload this season has been limited to special teams and mop-up duty, but his explosive playmaking ability has flashed at times—most notably on a long touchdown run against the Bengals that was called back by a penalty.

Will Shipley's TD run that didn't count… pic.twitter.com/lixJoLowbf

— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) October 28, 2024

Saquon Barkley has been the workhorse this year, carrying the ball a whopping 345 times. While Shipley isn’t taking that mantle any time soon, this game could serve as a proving ground for him to show he can be a reliable contributor in a complementary role moving forward.

Stoutland University Student Trevor Keegan:

The offensive line has been a fortress for the Eagles all season, but with Mekhi Becton potentially leaving in free agency, there could be a hole to fill at right guard. Trevor Keegan has spent the season on the 53-man roster but has yet to take a regular-season snap.

This game is his chance to show he belongs. The Eagles already have Tyler Steen waiting in the wings, but Keegan could make his case as a dark horse candidate to step into a starting role or, at the very least, earn rotational reps in 2025.

Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Highlights Eagles Defense:

It’s not easy being the son of an Eagles legend, but Jeremiah Trotter, Jr. has shown flashes of promise in his rookie season. His snaps have been limited, but with starters resting, he’s poised to see significant playing time against the Giants.

Trotter made the most of his opportunities last week against Dallas, recording three tackles and a half-sack. With Zack Baun’s future uncertain in free agency, Trotter could find himself competing for a much bigger role next season. Sunday is another chance for him to show he’s ready to be a cornerstone of the Eagles’ defense.

The Giants Jockey for NFL Draft Positioning

While the Eagles’ focus is on evaluating young talent, the Giants’ situation adds an extra layer of intrigue. Last week’s win over the Colts knocked them from the No. 1 overall pick to No. 4 in the draft order.

If they manage to beat the Eagles’ backups on Sunday, they could plummet even further, potentially as low as No. 9.

For a team that has bungled just about everything this season, failing to secure prime draft position would be a fitting end to their 2024 campaign.

The Process Eagles:

For the Eagles, this game is less about the scoreboard and more about setting the stage for what’s next as the Eagles prepare for the playoffs. While Sunday’s game might not matter in the standings, it could matter a great deal for the players trying to make a name for themselves.

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