Eagles vs. Giants: Storylines to watch in Week 8

The Eagles will try to head into the bye week on a high note Sunday when they host the Giants at Lincoln Financial Field.

The last meeting between these two teams in North Jersey was ugly, and quite literally everyone in the Philadelphia is still recovering from letting a division game against a bad football team slip away.

That said, Sunday is all about redemption and regaining control before the bye.

Eagles Run Defense vs. Cam Skattebo and Jaxson Dart

When the Eagles lost to the Giants earlier this month, they were pushed around. New York ran for 172 yards, the most the Eagles have allowed all season. Rookie running back Cam Skattebo racked up 98 yards, and rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart added 58.

Needless to say, for a team that prides itself on being physical, it was a reality check.

The Eagles missed 11 tackles that night, and it showed.

Vic Fangio’s defense has to get back to form if they want to keep Dart and Skattebo from controlling the pace. Skattebo ranks inside the top 20 in rushing yards this season and is among the league’s best in yards after contact. Dart is dangerous as a scrambler and has already put together several games with over 50 rushing yards.

The Eagles’ front needs to set the tone early. If they can bottle up the run, they can force Dart into tough third-down throws and limit the Giants’ balance.

Eagles Cornerbacks vs. Giants Receivers

The Eagles’ cornerback situation has been a revolving door all season. Quinyon Mitchell returned last week against the Vikings and looked great, but his hamstring injury in the previous Giants game exposed how thin the secondary can be.

Kelee Ringo and Adoree’ Jackson both struggled in that matchup. Ringo allowed three catches for 69 yards on four targets, and Jackson gave up six catches for 44 yards. Jackson remains in concussion protocol, so it could be Ringo or Jakorian Bennett who steps up this week. Bennett’s practice window was opened midweek, and Fangio hinted that he might be ready to return.

The Giants do not have their top receiver, Malik Nabers, but Wan’Dale Robinson and Lil’Jordan Humphrey hurt the Eagles last time. Robinson finished with six catches for 84 yards and a touchdown. The Eagles cannot let that happen again.

Jalen Carter vs. Giants Interior Offensive Line

The Eagles badly missed Jalen Carter when he sat out the last Giants game with a heel injury. He came back against Minnesota and immediately looked like himself, applying pressure on Carson Wentz that led to Jalyx Hunt’s pick-six.

This matchup favors Carter. The Giants’ interior line has allowed 70 total pressures this season, and more than half of them have come from the three starting interior linemen. Left guard Jon Runyon has been beaten often, center John Michael Schmitz is coming off a concussion, and right guard Greg Van Roten has already given up multiple sacks.

Carter dominated the Vikings and looked fully healthy. If he keeps that form, it will be a long afternoon for Jaxson Dart.

Eagles Offensive Line vs. Giants Defensive Line

The Giants’ defensive front is still the best part of their roster. Brian Burns already has nine sacks, Dexter Lawrence remains one of the league’s toughest interior defenders, and Kayvon Thibodeaux can wreck a game off the edge.

The Eagles will likely be without Cam Jurgens because of a knee injury, which makes this matchup even tougher. Lawrence lines up all over the line and is capable of collapsing the pocket quickly. The Eagles’ protection will have to be sharp to keep Jalen Hurts upright.

Even if Burns’ hip limits him, New York still has the personnel to pressure Hurts. Quick reads and efficient protection will be key if the Eagles want to open up the passing game.

Eagles Wide Receivers vs. Giants Secondary

The Eagles’ offense looked much sharper against the Vikings, and DeVonta Smith was a big reason why. He exploded for nine catches, 183 yards, and a touchdown. That version of Smith could create major problems for the Giants secondary.

AJ Brown had some success against Paulson Adebo in their last matchup, finishing with four catches for 55 yards, but both players have been limited in practice this week and really, it looks like Brown might be OUT Sunday if things didn’t improve today.

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That leaves DeVonta Smith to build on last week and continue to stretch the field so Jalen Hurts can find some rhythm through the air.

Dallas Goedert vs. Giants Linebackers and Safeties

Dallas Goedert gave the Giants everything they could handle in the first meeting. He caught nine passes for 110 yards and a touchdown, finding open space against multiple defenders.

The Giants’ defense has been middle-of-the-pack against tight ends this year, allowing over 350 yards and a pair of scores. Goedert is the one matchup that consistently works in the Eagles’ favor, and they should lean on him early.

Saquon Barkley vs. His Former Team

The Eagles still have not found their run game. Saquon Barkley flashed on the opening drive of the last matchup but faded after that. He finished with just 37 yards on 12 carries. He is averaging only 3.3 yards per attempt this season, a far cry from his 2,000-yard campaign last year.

If there is ever a week for Barkley to get back on track, it is this one.

The Giants’ defense ranks 25th against the run and gives up over five yards per carry. The holes are there; the Eagles just have to execute.

Revenge Game

The Eagles were embarrassed by the Giants a few weeks ago. They were outmuscled, outcoached, and out of sync. That performance stuck with them, and now they have a chance at revenge.

This game is about reestablishing who they are. If they can control the line of scrimmage, finish tackles, and protect Hurts, they should head into the bye week 6-2 and feeling much better about their identity.

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