The Eagles made it four in a row to close the season, ripping the New York Giants to shreds in the second half to secure the NFC East title and a playoff berth. Here’s everything you need to know from the 34-17 win.
The LJ Brand
If there are two players that define my reporting this year, it’s Boston Scott and Captain Cre’Von LeBlanc. It didn’t take long for me to develop film-crushes on both of these young talents and in the biggest game of the season, when it all mattered most, they shined brightest. My heart is full.
Boston Scott scored a Hat-Trick of rushing touchdowns, becoming the first running back to do so since LeSean McCoy pulled it off in 2011. Miles Sanders was forced out of the game early due to injury, and Jordan Howard barely saw the field. It was all on the shoulders of the former UDFA out of Louisiana Tech, and he spun, juked, and sprinted his way up and down the field, amassing 54 yards in 19 carries to go with 84 yards through the air.
As for LeBlanc, where do we start? The crucial pass breakup on 4th and short? The huge tackle on Saquon Barkley in a similar situation? Or the fact he led a decimated Eagles team in tackles? LeBlanc was sensational on Sunday, reminding us of his emphatic game against the New Orleans Saints in a game where Jalen Mills and Ronald Darby were both down. What a way to make an impact!
Wentz drags the offense over the line
The Eagles are down to bare bones on offense. We’ve said that all year, but it somehow gets worse…you know, as if missing a starting RT, TE, RB, WR1, WR2, WR3, wasn’t enough. Miles Sanders went down, Greg Ward Jr. missed a few snaps, and Brandon Brooks was carted off the field.
Carson Wentz stepped up and dragged the offense over the line in outstanding fashion. There were some exceptional throws to Dallas Goedert, Robert Davis, and even Deontay Burnett. Some were wiped out by penalties, but Wentz still managed to become the first QB in Eagles history to throw for 4,000 yards in a single season. He’s shown more in the last month than anyone could’ve ever expected from any quarterback. The adversity, the leadership, the precision. This is your franchise quarterback for the next five years, ladies and gentlemen. Soak it up.
The pass-rush dominates
The Giants offensive line is #bad, but that doesn’t take away from the ruthlessness we saw upfront today. Jim Schwartz was ready to send the kitchen sink early and it resulted in 10 QB hits, 4 sacks and a game-sealing forced fumble. Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, and Timmy Jernigan all decimated today, while Derek Barnett has evidently been working on his spin-move. It was a bad day to be a Giants offensive lineman, with the Eagles bullying them all game long.
Can I get a HELL YEAH for the secondary?
Probably not. Rasul Douglas wasn’t great, but he did have 3 passes defensed and play press-coverage excellently at times. Even on the Golden Tate TD, he played his man really well. The real heroes here, however, are Captain Cre’Von (scroll up for the summary), and Sidney Jones.
Jones finally got the interception he’s been edging towards, picking off Daniel Jones in the fourth quarter to seal the deal. Before that, he batted a pass down behind his back and played solidly throughout. It’s been a bumpy rollercoaster for Sidney Jones, but we’ve just hit the loop-de-loops and everyone’s excited. What a story it’s been for the once-troubled corner, who was thrust into a starting role today and thrived.
PLAYOFFS
The Eagles are your 2019 NFC East champions and will face either San Francisco or Seattle in the first round of the playoffs. Any. Given. Sunday.
The season has been redeemed and the remains of this Eagles team are playing the hardest they have all year. Are we about to see another miracle run?
